New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Finn Allen may not be available for the upcoming five-match T20I series against India due to his Big Bash League (BBL) commitments. If Perth Scorchers advance to the final, Allen will remain in Australia and join the New Zealand squad midway through the series.

New Zealand is currently playing a Test series against the West Indies. They will next head to India for a white-ball tour in January. Following the three-match ODI series, they will play a five-match T20I series in preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in February and March.

Finn Allen’s availability for India T20I series depends on Perth Scorchers

Finn Allen’s availability for New Zealand’s T20I series against India may depend on Perth Scorchers’ performance in the Big Bash League. If the Heat reach the final on January 25, Allen may not join the New Zealand squad until around the fourth T20I on January 28.

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However, if the team fails to make the playoffs, he will be able to travel early and play the entire series. Allen said if he is selected for the tour, he plans to fly to India as soon as his BBL commitment ends.

“Waiting for selection, once our (Scorchers) big bash is over I will head straight to India,” Allen told ESPNcricinfo.

For me, playing for New Zealand is still the pinnacle – Finn Allen

Finn Allen is one of several New Zealand players to have signed temporary contracts that allow them to balance national responsibilities with overseas franchise alliances. The 26-year-old said representing New Zealand remains his priority and the main reason he takes part in the competition.

Allen said New Zealand Cricket had been supportive of helping players meet both commitments. The opener added that he is positive about returning to the Black Caps once his tenure at the Big Bash is over.

“For me, playing for New Zealand is still the pinnacle and the reason I love playing football is to represent my country,” Allen said. “But cricket is obviously growing and changing every year.

“New Zealand Cricket have been very good to work with over the last period. (I’m) confident of returning to the Black Caps after the big bash and hopefully that can continue.”

Finn Allen to return to Perth Heat after foot injury

Finn Allen is set to resume competitive cricket as he prepares to open for the Perth Scorchers alongside Mitchell Marsh. He will return to action after being sidelined since suffering a stress fracture in his foot during the MLC in early July.

Before suffering the injury, Allen had played one of the most explosive T20 innings ever. He scored a remarkable 151 for the San Francisco Unicorns in the MLC opener, which included a record 19 sixes.

The batsman last played an international match in March when he smashed a quick 27 off 12 balls in New Zealand’s win over Pakistan. Allen has scored over 1,200 runs in 52 T20I games with a strike rate of over 160, including two centuries. He has scored 582 runs in 22 ODIs at an average of 27.71.

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