West Indies Cricketer Fabian Allen Faces Gunpoint Mugging in Johannesburg

Johannesburg:  West Indies international cricketer, Fabian Allen, has been a victim of a harrowing incident involving a gunpoint mugging in Johannesburg. The 28-year-old all-rounder from Jamaica, currently representing the Paarl Royals franchise in the SA20 league, was targeted outside the team hotel, resulting in a shaken experience for the cricketer.

Armed assailants confronted Allen near the renowned Sandton Sun Hotel, forcefully taking away his phone and personal belongings, including a bag. This incident has prompted concerns about the safety of players participating in the SA20 league.

Multiple sources connected to the Paarl Royals team, SA20, and Cricket West Indies (CWI) have confirmed the incident. A CWI source acknowledged the situation, assuring that Allen is unharmed. Furthermore, a representative from the West Indies board expressed relief after successfully establishing contact with the player.

Top CWI official stated, “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.”

Despite attempts to obtain information, queries directed to the Paarl Royals management did not yield a response. An SA20 league spokesperson, while not denying the incident, redirected inquiries to a police officer who, at the time of the print, had no immediate information. The player himself could not be reached for a comment.

This incident is the second security-related episode involving SA20 players recently, raising questions about the overall security arrangements during cricket tournaments. The SA20 league is currently in its second season, having reached the playoffs stage. The Paarl Royals are scheduled to play the Eliminator on February 7, following Qualifier 1 later in the night, with the final set for February 10.

Source: Cricbuzz