New Zealand Opener Finn Allen was expelled from the upcoming T20i Tri-Series in Zimbabwe due to the foot injury of playing for San Francisco Unicorns in the main league cricket (MLC) in the United States.
The Tri-series, which also has South Africa, is to start on July 14th in Harare. Injuries means that Allen will also miss the play -off MLC, with unicorns who are to face New York on Wednesday.
According to a statement from New Zealand cricket (NZC), Allen will return home for further inspections and advice from specialists before the timeline for its recovery is confirmed. Allen played his last MLC match against the Los Angeles Knight 6th July. July in Lauderhill, Florida, where he was released for 4 runs while chasing a large total of 244.
Allen played a record 151-running knocking in the opening game against Washington Freedom, which remains the highest individual score in the league. The 25 -year -old man was regular in New Zealand White Men and was expected to play a key role in the upcoming series. He is now confirmed with his absence, NZC must still name the replacement.
The New Zealand team is scheduled to arrive in Zimbabwe on Thursday and July 16 will start a campaign against South Africa. Allen’s absence is a wound for New Zealand, which seeks to build momentum in front of the busy calendar of white balls. TRI-series is considered a good opportunity to test the combinations and providing younger players a chance in different conditions.
Meanwhile, San Francisco Unicorns has also lost another key player in front of Play -off MLC. West Indies Allrounder Romario Shepherd left the team to return home for duties with Guyana Amazon Warriors in Global Super League.
Shepherd was an important player for Unicorns, gained eight goals in five shifts and contributed useful runs after the order. Like Allen, the unicorns decided not to appoint a replacement.
When both players are missing, Unicorns will face a heavy challenge in the Eliminator match, while New Zealand will have to quickly adjust their plans before the Tri-series starts in Harare.
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Published:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
9 July 2025
