During the 2025 season of IPL, Punjab Kings or PBKS cruelly missed out on their big all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, who wouldn’t play for his team and the league due to a finger injury. But now PBKS have found a great replacement for him- young batsman Mitchell Owen from Tasmania.
Owen has been signed by PBKS for ₹3 crore and will come to India after completing his current season for Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Who is Mitchell Owen?
Mitchell Owen, a 28-year-old Tasmanian top-order batsman, is undoubtedly among the most talented players. This season, he came out as the highest run-scorer in the Big Bash League (BBL) and was instrumental to Hobart Hurricanes in clinching the title.
- BBL 2025 highlights:
- Runs: 452 (in 11 innings)
- Average: 45.20
- Strike rate: 203.60
- Final score: 108 (in 42 balls)
- Award: Player of the Match
- Not only batting, Owen also bowls medium pace and has taken 10 wickets in 20 T20 innings.
Journey from PSL to IPL
Owen is currently playing for Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League. He joined the team in place of Corbin Bosch, who suddenly decided to leave the PSL to play for Mumbai Indians (MI). The PCB also imposed a one-year ban on Bosch due to this move.
Owen will play the last group stage match for Zalmi on May 9. If the team makes it to the playoffs, he may be busy till the PSL final (May 18). However, PBKS’ last league match is on May 16 and Owen could join the team before the playoffs begin.
Why was Mitchell Owen selected?
PBKS head coach and Australian batsman Ricky Ponting has seen Owen’s talent closely. In the BBL, he plays the role of ‘Head of Strategy’ of Hobart Hurricanes and from there he kept an eye on Owen’s performance.
Ricky Ponting believes that Owen has the ability to dominate on a big stage like the IPL. His aggressive batting and medium pace bowling make him an ideal replacement.
What does this change mean for PBKS?
In the absence of a big player like Glenn Maxwell, Punjab Kings were looking for an explosive option in the middle order. Owen’s arrival will give PBKS new confidence, especially when the team is in the playoff race.
His aggressive batting style and useful bowling in the death overs will give variety to the team. Apart from this, being a young player, he will also bring energy and enthusiasm on the field.
Controversy and Controversy: The Corbin Bosch Case
Owen’s arrival in the PSL came after Corbin Bosch suddenly decided to break his contract with Zalmi and join MI in the IPL. The PCB took it seriously and banned Bosch from the PSL for a year.
Bosch said in an official statement:
- I deeply regret my decision and apologise to the people of Pakistan, Peshawar Zalmi fans and the cricket community.
- This controversy cleared the way for Owen to play in the PSL and now the same path has brought him to the IPL.
Will Owen live up to expectations?
- PBKS currently need a player who can hit big shots, accelerate the innings and maintain balance by bowling 1-2 overs when needed.
- Owen’s stats and form show that he is a perfect fit for the role. Now it remains to be seen how much he proves himself in a pressure-packed league like the IPL.
Conclusion
Mitchell Owen joining PBKS is a bold and visionary decision for the team. Filling the void left by Glenn Maxwell won’t be easy but Owen has the talent that can make him a big name in the future. PBKS fans will have a lot of expectations from him and if he can replicate his form in the IPL, this season could be a memorable one for Punjab Kings.
FAQs
1. Why is Glenn Maxwell not playing for PBKS in IPL 2025?
A. Glenn Maxwell has been ruled out of IPL 2025 due to a fractured finger, making him unavailable for the remainder of the season.
2. Who is Mitchell Owen?
A. Mitchell Owen is a 23-year-old Australian top-order batter from Tasmania. He gained recognition during the 2025 BBL season as the highest run-scorer and also contributes with medium-pace bowling.
3. When will Mitchell Owen join PBKS?
A. Owen will join PBKS after completing his stint with Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), likely after May 9 or post-May 18 if Zalmi qualifies for the playoffs.
4. Has Mitchell Owen ever played in the IPL before?
A. No, this is Mitchell Owen’s first appearance in the Indian Premier League. He had registered for the 2024 auction but was not shortlisted.
5. What role will Owen play in PBKS?
A. Owen is expected to fill the void left by Maxwell as a hard-hitting top/middle-order batter and part-time bowler, adding balance to PBKS’s playing XI.
