Fringe Blackcap Finn Allen stocks have continued to rise, after being snapped up by Lancashire Lightning in England's domestic T20 competition starting in June.
After securing a late Indian Premier League contract as an injury replacement player - for Josh Philippe - with the Mike Hesson coached Royal Challengers Bangalore, Allen will head north for the English Vitality Blast.
The Wellington Firebirds opener will join the squad as an overseas signing following the conclusion of his IPL commitments at the end of May and is looking forward to joining one of the toughest leagues in the world.
"I'm really excited to get over to England," Allen says. "It will be my first spell in county cricket and a great opportunity to test myself in one of the world's best T20 tournaments.
"To win the Super Smash and finish as leading run scorer in my breakthrough T20 tournament, has provided me with a platform and I am looking forward to continuing to learn and improve as a cricketer."
Lancashire is a huge club with a proud history and I absolutely can't wait to play at Old Trafford throughout the competition.
"They've got a very talented, young and exciting squad so I'm really looking forward to joining up with the group later this year to hopefully challenge for the title."
The 21-year-old made headlines in the Super Smash with a breakthrough campaign, as he powered the Firebirds to the title with a chart-topping 512 runs at a strike rate of almost 194.
Lancashire director of cricket Paul Allott is thrilled to have signed a player of Allen's quality.
"Finn is an extremely highly rated young cricketer, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring him to Lancashire," Allott says.
"His outstanding record in the recent Super Smash tournament caught the attention around the world and I'm looking forward to seeing how Finn can contribute to helping Lancashire win matches in the Blast.
"I believe that that this is a signing which will excite supporters and improve what is already a very strong T20 outfit as shown in last year's campaign."
