Allen's good form led to a lucrative offer to join the World Series Cricket (WSC) competition when it commenced in Australia in late 1977.
In 1978, Allen was awarded with an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to cricket.
Allen sustained an eye injury during a practice session in May 1981 and underwent surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.
He was forced to wear contact lenses and returned during the 1981/82 season, although his runscoring ability fell from prior to the accident.
[8] Since his retirement, an annual lecture series, held on his birthday, has been established in Montserrat to honour Allen.