NEW DELHI: West Indies international cricketer Fabian Allen faced a distressing incident of gunpoint mugging outside the team hotel in Johannesburg.
The 28-year-old Jamaican, currently playing for the Paarl Royals franchise in the SA20 league, was targeted by armed assailants near the Sandton Sun Hotel, leaving the all-rounder visibly shaken.
The attackers, wielding a gun, forcibly took Allen's phone and personal belongings, including a bag.
The incident has sparked concerns about the safety of players participating in the SA20 league, raising questions about the security measures in place.
Multiple sources associated with the Paarl Royals team, SA20, and Cricket West Indies (CWI) have confirmed the incident.
While Allen is reported to be unharmed, the situation has prompted discussions about player security.
A CWI official acknowledged the incident, stating to Cricbuzz, "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."
This marks the second security-related episode involving SA20 players in recent times.
The league, now in its second season, has reached the playoffs stage, with the Paarl Royals scheduled to play the Eliminator on February 7. The final is set for February 10.
The incident has heightened concerns about player safety and raised questions about the security protocols in place for the ongoing league.
(With inputs from Cricbuzz)
