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Punjab Kings (PBKS) have confirmed Mitchell Owen as their injury replacement for Glenn Maxwell in the IPL 2025, marking another significant step in Owen’s burgeoning career. Maxwell, unfortunately, has been sidelined with a fractured finger. Owen, known for his impressive performances in short-form cricket recently, will link up with PBKS following his current engagement with Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL.
With the PSL scheduled to conclude by May 18, and considering the possibility of Zalmi making the final, Owen’s availability hinges on PBKS reaching the IPL playoffs, beginning on May 20. PBKS conclude their league games on May 16, so his participation depends on the team’s playoff fortunes.
Owen, a talented 23-year-old top-order batsman from Tasmania, rose to prominence in the most recent Big Bash League (BBL). His standout innings, including an explosive 108 off 42 balls in the final, earned him the Player-of-the-Match and played a crucial role in securing the title for Hobart Hurricanes. His BBL campaign, with 452 runs from 11 innings at an average of 45.20 and a striking rate of 203.60, showcased his game-changing ability.
Having featured in both the SA20 and PSL, Owen’s adaptability across different conditions adds significant value to any squad. His PSL stint with Peshawar Zalmi came about as a replacement for Corbin Bosch. Bosch had earlier withdrawn to join Mumbai Indians, a move that prompted legal actions, including a year-long ban from the PSL. In his apology, Bosch expressed, “I deeply regret my decision to withdraw from the PSL, and offer my sincere apologies to the people of Pakistan, the fans of Peshawar Zalmi, and the wider cricket community.”
With a laser focus now on the IPL, Owen’s presence, should PBKS make the playoffs, will likely bolster their batting lineup. His explosive style and ability to accelerate during critical moments make him a potentially invaluable asset for the Punjab Kings.
