In a key mid-season move, Punjab Kings (PBKS) have confirmed the inclusion of a star all-rounder as a replacement for the injured Glenn Maxwell, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the IPL 2025 due to a finger fracture. With the franchise in comfortable position regarding the playoff contention, Maxwell’s replacement is expected to bolster the middle order and offer an additional bowling option.
PBKS unveils replacement of Glenn Maxwell
Maxwell’s premature exit from the tournament came as a significant setback for Punjab Kings. The Australian all-rounder sustained a finger injury that has now sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Maxwell’s absence leaves a void not just in the batting lineup but also in the leadership group, where his experience has been crucial.
Filling in for Maxwell, PBKS have roped in Tasmania‘s top-order batter Mitchell Owen, who has been in sensational form in franchise cricket across the globe. The 23-year-old will join PBKS following his stint with Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Owen has been signed for a sum of INR 3 crore and is expected to link up with the team once Zalmi’s PSL campaign concludes.
BBL heroics spark IPL opportunity
Owen has been on a meteoric rise in the T20 circuit, and his jaw-dropping performances in the 2024-25 Big Bash League (BBL) were impossible to ignore. The highlight of his campaign came in the tournament final, where he played one of the greatest knocks in BBL history — a blistering 108 off just 42 deliveries. His innings, filled with powerful strokes and fearless intent, not only dismantled the opposition’s bowling attack but also powered the Hobart Hurricanes to their maiden BBL title.
The innings earned Owen the Player of the Match award and solidified his reputation as one of the most dangerous young batters in the format. But it wasn’t a one-off performance. Over the course of the season, the 23-year-old top-order batter amassed 452 runs in 11 innings, averaging 45.20 and striking at a staggering rate of 203.60 — the highest in the tournament. His consistency, ability to accelerate in the middle overs, and knack for clearing boundaries at will made him the standout performer of the season.
Not just a batter, Owen’s all-round capabilities and fearless temperament caught the attention of scouts and fans alike. His explosive potential has now earned him a spot in one of the world’s biggest T20 leagues, and Punjab will be hoping he replicates his BBL magic in the IPL 2025 campaign.
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