Australia all-rounder Mitchell Owen is set to make his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut in 2025, stepping in as the replacement for Glenn Maxwell at Punjab Kings (PBKS). Owen’s selection comes on the back of a sensational run in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and an explosive Big Bash League (BBL) season, making him one of the most talked-about young cricketers in the T20 circuit.

Who is Mitchell Owen? From Tasmania to the IPL spotlight

Owen, born in 2001 in Hobart, Tasmania, is a 23-year-old right-handed batter and right-arm medium pacer. He started his professional journey with the Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL and Tasmania in domestic cricket, quickly earning a reputation as a dynamic all-rounder. Standing at 1.94 meters, Owen’s imposing presence is matched by his aggressive batting style and ability to contribute with the ball, often chipping in with crucial wickets or runs in the lower order.

Owen’s breakthrough came in the 2024-25 BBL season, where he transitioned from a middle-order player to an explosive opener. His record-breaking performances, including a 39-ball century-the fastest in BBL history-and a match-winning 108 off 42 balls in the final, propelled the Hobart Hurricanes to their maiden title. With a BBL strike rate consistently above 200 and a knack for clearing the ropes, Owen quickly caught the attention of franchises around the world.

Owen’s road to IPL 2025

Owen’s domestic career is marked by adaptability and rapid improvement. After making his List A and first-class debuts for Tasmania in 2021 and 2023 respectively, he became a mainstay in the Hurricanes’ T20 line-up. The 2024-25 BBL season was a turning point: Owen finished as the tournament’s top run-scorer with 452 runs at a strike rate over 200, notching up two centuries and playing a pivotal role in the finals.

His PSL stint with Peshawar zalmi in 2025 further cemented his T20 credentials. Despite batting lower down the order to accommodate skipper Babar azamOwen managed 101 runs and picked up two wickets in seven PSL 2025 matches, displaying his versatility and team-first mentality. His performances in both leagues made him an obvious choice when PBKS needed a replacement for the injured Maxwell, with the franchise securing his services.

Owen’s journey from Tasmania’s youth ranks to the global T20 stage is a testament to his talent and work ethic. As he prepare to don the PBKS jersey, all eyes will be on whether this PSL centurion can replicate his fireworks in the IPL and fill the void left by Maxwell’s absence.