SA20 2024: Fabian Allen robbed at gunpoint outside team hotel, Paarl Royals issue statement

West Indies cricketer Fabian Allen has fell victim to an armed robbery outside the Paarl Royals team hotel in Johannesburg in South Africa. The incident occurred during the SA20 2024, leaving the 28-year-old allrounder visibly shaken.

Reports suggest that armed assailants confronted Allen near the Sandton Sun Hotel, snatching away his phone, personal belongings, and a bag. Fortunately, the cricketer emerged physically unharmed from the unsettling encounter. Cricket West Indies assured worried fans of Allen's safety, stating that the head coach, Andre Coley, reached out to him through Obed McCoy. According to a top CWI official, Allen is fine, and further details may be provided by Cricket South Africa and Paarl Royals.

"Our head coach Andre Coley, also hailing from Jamaica, reached out to Fabian. Contact was successfully established through Obed McCoy (another West Indies international). He is fine. CSA (Cricket South Africa) and his team, Paarl Royals, could share more details if there are any," a top CWI official told Cricbuzz.

Paarl Royals would like to state that West Indian all-rounder is safe, and enjoying his time at SA20

Meanwhile, in a fresh development, Paarl Royals have released an official statement thereby stating the well-being of Allen and the commitments of the franchise along with the league in this regard. In the same vein, the franchise stated that Fabian Allen is currently safe and in good space. Besides, Royals are dedicated towards well well-being of every player and also believe in providing them their personal space away from the field as and when required.

"Following a media report surrounding an isolated incident with Fabian Allen in Johannesburg in the early hours of 25th January 2024, Paarl Royals would like to state that the West Indian all-rounder is safe, and enjoying his time at the SA20 as he, along with his teammates and support staff, prepares for the all-important Eliminator on Wednesday," Paarl Royals released a statement on their website.

"The franchise works closely with the league to ensure the safety and well-being of its players and staff, while also allowing them to have free personal time as well. Following the incident, the player was provided with the necessary support by the franchise and the league, and was keen to continue his participation at the SA20, and has since been available for selection (twice also featuring in the playing XI for the Royals)," they further added.

Consequently, this clears the legitimate concerns about the safety of players participating in the ongoing SA20 2024. Paarl Royals also requested to stay away from creating any unnecessary speculations regarding this matter ahead. Besides, Allen, who is a formidable left-arm spinner and a reliable batter in the lower order, has played 20 ODIs and 34 T20Is for the West Indies. Recognised for his ability to stifle opposition batters, Allen boasts a T20I economy rate of 7.43.

Despite his overall prowess, the 28-year-old has struggled to find form in the ongoing SA20, with modest performances both with the bat and ball. Following a lacklustre outing against the Durban Super Giants, Allen found himself out of the playing XI. 

As the Paarl Royals gear up for the Eliminator on February 7, the focus shifts not only to their on-field performance but also to the safety measures in place for players in the tournament.