Punjab Kings (PBKS) have signed young Australian all-rounder Mitchell Owen to replace Glenn Maxwell, who is out for the rest of IPL 2025 due to a broken finger.
Owen is currently playing for Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and will join PBKS after completing his PSL commitments. PBKS signed him for approximately INR 4.5 crore (about USD 550,000) to boost their chances of reaching the playoffs.
Who is Mitchell Owen? Meet PBKS’ New All-Rounder for IPL 2025
Mitchell Owen, a 23-year-old from Tasmania, has quickly become one of the most exciting talents in T20 cricket. He is a right-handed top-order batter and medium pacer. Owen made a significant impact during the 2024-25 Big Bash League (BBL) by being the highest run-scorer of the tournament.
He played a key role in helping Hobart Hurricanes win their first-ever BBL title, scoring an amazing 108 off 42 balls in the final. Here are his impressive stats for the tournament:
- Matches: 11
- Runs: 452
- Average: 45.20
- Strike Rate: 203.60
- Centuries: 2
Owen also has experience playing in South Africa’s SA20 league and the PSL. His overall T20 record includes 646 runs and 10 wickets in 34 matches. Interestingly, PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting has closely followed Owen’s progress while working as the Hurricanes’ head of strategy in the BBL.
Owen’s PSL Commitments and What He Brings to PBKS in IPL 2025
Owen is currently playing for Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL 2025. Zalmi is fifth on the table and plays its final group stage game on May 9. If they qualify for the playoffs, Owen may stay in Pakistan until May 18, the date of the PSL final.
PBKS are scheduled to play their last group match on May 16, so Owen could still join the squad in time for the IPL playoffs. ESPNcricinfo reports that Owen will travel to India as soon as his PSL duties end.
Glenn Maxwell had a disappointing run this season, scoring only 48 runs in seven games. His injury left a significant gap in PBKS’ middle order, and the team hopes Owen can fill that void. Maxwell is also missing the PSL due to the same injury.
Here’s what Owen offers:
- Explosive top-order batting with consistency
- Ability to accelerate the scoring in the middle overs
- Handy medium-pace bowling option
- High strike rate (184.57 in T20s)
Owen’s aggressive style and recent form make him an essential addition to PBKS, which is currently in the playoffs.
