Perth Scorchers star Cooper Connolly says he is yet to discuss Finn Allen’s Big Bash League future with the New Zealander, but he is happy to remind his great mate about exactly what the club and the city have to offer.

Allen starred as the Scorchers claimed their sixth title last season, finishing as the BBL’s leading run-scorer with 466 at a blistering strike rate of 184.18.

The two-year deal the dynamic opening batter signed to join Perth in 2024 has now expired, and while the competition’s contract embargo remains in place as changes to rules governing the recruitment of overseas players are finalised, several rival clubs have expressed their interest in luring him away.

While the Scorchers are eager to retain Allen, Melbourne Stars are understood to be in discussions with him around an offer which would make the 27-year-old one of the best-paid players in the competition’s history.

Connolly said his close friendship with Allen would persist, regardless of whether they lined up in orange together next season.

“I’m speaking to him quite regularly, but we don’t really speak about that stuff. We just talk as mates,” Connolly told The West Australian.

“You hear things, but it’s a bit above my pay-grade. I’ll just let things happen on the side.

“If he needs reminding about what Perth’s like and what happened last year, I’m more than happy to remind him.

“I’d love him to stay and the success we had last year might lure him back, but I won’t have much say in that.”

Connolly said Allen would be a huge loss for the Scorchers, if he was to depart the club.

“He nailed how to bat at our home ground. He obviously got a bit of a taste the year before, but last year, he just nailed it and understood what the conditions required of him,” Connolly said.

“As everyone’s seen, he can win games in a matter of overs. That’s what we enjoyed about him last year, he won us games.

“Hopefully, we can see him again this year.”

Tickets for the Scorchers’ five home games, including their blockbuster Boxing Day clash against the Stars, are on sale from today.

But Perth will start their title defence with a historic game at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium against Melbourne Renegades on December 12, which Connolly said their playing group was “super excited” for.

“I played a game there this year (in the IPL) and it was a nice batting wicket, so we’ll see what we get when we get over there,” he said.

“It’s going to be a good experience for some of our guys who haven’t been over to India yet.

“We’re really excited to get over there and get stuck in.”

Either side of their marquee fixture against the Stars, the Scorchers will host Hobart Hurricanes on December 20 and Sydney Thunder on December 30.