Mitchell Owen Joins Punjab Kings Ahead of IPL 2025 Resumption

Mitchell Owen's Transition to Punjab Kings

As the Punjab Kings gear up for the IPL 2025 restart on May 17, they have secured a significant addition to their squad. Australian all-rounder Mitchell Owen has officially signed with PBKS, opting for the IPL over continuing his current PSL 2025 campaign. Initially, it was expected that Owen would join after his stint with Peshawar Zalmi, but he has now chosen to depart the league early to participate in the IPL.

During his time with Peshawar Zalmi, Owen played in eight matches, scoring 102 runs at an average of 14.57 and taking two wickets. Despite Peshawar's current low standing, they still have a shot at the playoffs, but losing Owen is a significant blow. He is not the only player to leave mid-season; Corbin Bosch also departed Peshawar Zalmi for the Mumbai Indians and faced a one-year ban for violating his contract.

Owen has entered the den! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/u6RYiiSOBO

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) May 15, 2025

The IPL was put on hold on May 10 due to escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan, which led to the withdrawal of several overseas players. The futures of players like Marcus Stoinis, Xavier Bartlett, Josh Inglis, and Aaron Hardie remain uncertain. Owen's timely availability is crucial for PBKS, who are just one win away from securing a playoff spot for the first time in 11 years, currently sitting third on the points table with 15 points from 11 matches.

Under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer, PBKS has performed admirably and is now in search of an impactful player like Owen to enhance their chances in the final stretch of the tournament. With three league matches remaining, his contribution could be pivotal.

However, PBKS will need to monitor Owen's ability to adapt. While he is known for his explosive style, he has struggled on slower pitches. With Punjab relocating to Jaipur, he may face challenges on the slow surface of the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.

Despite being only 23 years old, this Tasmanian all-rounder has already made a name for himself. Last season in the Big Bash League (BBL) with the Hobart Hurricanes, he scored 452 runs in 11 matches at an impressive average of 45.20 and a remarkable strike rate of 203.60, including two centuries.

His peak moment came between the BBL final and January 27, 2025, when he achieved a 39-ball century, tying the record for the fastest in BBL history. He scored 108 runs off just 42 balls, hitting 11 sixes, which led the Hurricanes to their first title. Additionally, his 16-ball fifty in the BBL final was the fastest ever, earning him the Player of the Match award. Prior to this, he also dazzled with an unbeaten 101 runs off 64 balls against the Perth Scorchers.