Mitchell Owen Joins PBKS Amid PSL Commitments

The Punjab Kings have signed rising Australian all-rounder Mitch Owen as a replacement for the injured Glenn Maxwell, whose IPL 2025 campaign ended due to a fractured finger and poor form. Owen, who starred in the Big Bash League with a record-equalling hundred and is currently the leading T20 run-scorer with a high strike rate, faces a delayed IPL debut due to ongoing commitments with Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League. His availability for PBKS hinges on Zalmi's PSL playoff qualification; he will join Punjab either for the final IPL group matches or the playoffs if PBKS qualify. The move is seen as a strategic decision, with PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting having closely followed Owen's development and advocating for his signing. Owen's transition underscores the scheduling challenges posed by overlapping franchise leagues and highlights the franchise's confidence in his potential impact during the crucial closing stages of the tournament.