Allen eagerly awaiting IPL opportunity

He is the dazzling batting all-rounder that has lit up franchise Twenty20 and international cricket for the West Indies in recent years. Fabian Allen’s meteoric rise in the shorter format of the game has many adoring fans wanting more from the energetic Jamaican.

His exploits in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Bangladesh Premier League did not go unnoticed and he was quickly snapped up by the Sunrisers Hyderabad to play in the 2020 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

With the coronavirus pandemic pushing back the tournament to September of this year, Allen has been putting in the work behind the scenes, as he gets ready to first ignite the CPL before heading to the United Arab Emirates for the IPL.

For Allen, being out of cricket for over three months has allowed him to work on his core strength and fitness, and he is eagerly awaiting the restart of T20 cricket once again.

“I’m grateful for the IPL opportunity because it’s one of the biggest sporting events around. Sunrisers Hyderabad have welcomed me like family and I feel a part of the team already. I just want to do my best for the team whenever my name is called,” said Allen.

Before the IPL gets into high gear, there is the matter of the CPL to take care of, and Allen has one objective for this year’s curtailed tournament, and that is to bring a title to the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.

“My goal is always to win; I don’t focus too much on my personal goals. It’s always good to get some runs and wickets but winning is the ultimate goal.”

GOOD COMPANY

Allen will be in good company during the CPL as he will have compatriots Sheldon Cottrell and Dennis Bulli as teammates.

“It’s always a plus to have people you know in the team, especially players from the same country. Cottrell has done great things globally and I am happy for Bulli to get the opportunity,” added Allen.

Having got a taste of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup in England, Allen was looking forward to the T20 equivalent in Australia this year; however, the tournament was recently postponed until next year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Allen says he will be relishing the opportunity, once given the nod.

“It’s unfortunate because I was looking forward to playing in another World Cup, but these things happen. The most important thing is everyone’s health so I understand the decision,” said Allen.