Saikiran Uppuluri
Saikiran Uppuluri
A shocking incident has cast doubt on player safety protocols during the ongoing SA20 league in South Africa. On the eve of the Playoffs, it has emerged that a cricketer was attacked and robbed at gunpoint outside his team hotel in Johannesburg.
According to a Cricbuzz report, the player in question is West Indies all-rounder Fabian Allen. The 28-year-old was accosted by armed assailants near the Sandton Sun Hotel ahead of his team Paarl Royals’ Eliminator match.
The robbers made away with Allen’s phone and personal belongings after attacking him. His bag was also forcibly snatched by the gun-wielding assailants.
The alarming incident raises concerns over the security provided to players during the franchise league. Allen and Paarl Royals were stationed at the upscale Sandton Sun Hotel. The fact that an international player was attacked despite staying at a reputed establishment is worrying.
A top West Indies Cricket Board (CWI) official confirmed to Cricbuzz that Allen is fine now. The all-rounder was contacted by Paarl Royals coach Andre Coley, also from Jamaica, after the incident.
The nature of Allen’s injuries, if any, from the scuffle is unclear. Cricket South Africa (CSA) and the franchise are yet to provide more details on the regrettable episode.
Allen has been a key performer for Paarl Royals in the ongoing SA20 league. The team qualified for the Playoffs after finishing third in the points table. Allen has scored 180 runs and picked up 12 wickets in 10 matches.
The sprightly all-rounder made his international debut in 2016 and has featured in 20 ODIs and 34 T20Is for the West Indies. CSA and the league organizers now have the responsibility to examine security protocols in light of this attack.
Ensuring player safety should be paramount, especially when foreign cricketers are involved. The cricket boards also need assurance that such incidents will be prevented going forward.
