As Punjab Kings scramble to finalise the squad ahead of IPL 2025 resumption on May 17, they have received a shot in the arm. Australian all-rounder Mitchell Owen has joined PBKS, ditching PSL 2025. Owen was supposed to join PBKS after completing his PSL assignment. However, he has decided not to return for the remaining match in favour of the IPL.
Owen played 8 matches for Peshawar Zalmi, scoring 102 runs at an average of 14.57. He also bagged two wickets. While Peshawar are placed 6th on the PSL Points Table, they are still in the playoff race. But with Owen pulling out of PSL, it will be a blow to Peshawar’s playoff aspirations. Owen is not the first player to ditch PSL for IPL, though. Corbin Bosch became the first player to join Mumbai Indians despite having a contract in the PSL. He received a 1-year suspension from PSL for breaching the contract.
Owen has entered the den!
pic.twitter.com/u6RYiiSOBO
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) May 15, 2025
Boost for Punjab Kings
As the IPL was suspended on May 10 following escalating military conflict between India and Pakistan, overseas players left the two countries. Now, as the IPL resumes, uncertainty looms large over the availability of Marcus Stoinis, Xavier Bartlett, Josh Inglish and Aaron Hardie. In such a situation, Owen’s arrival will boost the side. PBKS are just a win away from qualifying for the IPL playoffs after 11 long years. Punjab are third on the IPL Points Table with 15 points from 11 matches.
While PBKS’ domestic stars have done exceptionally well under Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy, they need someone like Mitchell Owen to boost their chances further. PBKS have three matches remaining in the league stage.
However, PBKS will be wary of Owen’s inexperience. The explosive Australian all-rounder did not do well on slow pitches. With PBKS moving their base to Jaipur for the remaining matches, it could be a big challenge for Owen if the matches are played on slower surfaces at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.
Who is Mitchell Owen?
The 23-year-old Tasmanian all-rounder took the Big Bash League (BBL) by storm last season for Hobart Hurricanes. Owen’s explosive batting and right-arm medium-pace bowling gave Hurricanes an edge. He scored 452 runs in 11 matches, at an average of 45.20 and a blistering strike rate of 203.60. He topped the BBL charts, including two centuries.
Owen’s defining moment came in the BBL final on January 27, 2025, against Sydney Thunder. The youngster smashed a 39-ball century—the joint-fastest in BBL history. He scored 108 off 42 balls, with 11 sixes, leading the Hurricanes to their first title. His 16-ball fifty set a final record, earning him Player of the Match. Earlier, his unbeaten 101 off 64 balls against Perth Scorchers showcased his power-hitting prowess.
PBKS Schedule for IPL 2025
| Match No | Date | Day | Home | Away | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59 | 18-May-25 | Sun | Rajasthan Royals | Punjab Kings | Jaipur | 15:30 |
| 66 | 24-May-25 | Sat | Punjab Kings | Delhi Capitals | Jaipur | 19:30 |
| 69 | 26-May-25 | Mon | Punjab Kings | Mumbai Indians | Jaipur | 19:30 |
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