As Punjab Kings quickly go about their business, they have been given a major kick ahead of the May 17 IPL 2025’s restart. Australian all-rounder Mitchell Owen has officially signed for PBKS, preferring to play in the IPL than to complete his ongoing PSL 2025 campaign. Owen was initially thought to be joining after completing his time with Peshawar Zalmi, but he has now decided to leave the league and play in the IPL instead. By featuring in eight matches for Peshawar Zalmi, Owen has managed to score 102 runs at an average of 14.57 and also took two wickets. Despite their present low position, Peshawar still have a chance of finishing in the playoffs, but losing Owen is catastrophic. He’s not the first one, though, as Corbin Bosch left Peshawar Zalmi and moved to Mumbai Indians mid-PSL and received a one-year ban for breaching his contract. Owen has entered the den! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/u6RYiiSOBO — Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) May 15, 2025 The IPL had been suspended on May 10 in view of the deteriorating military tension between India and Pakistan and the resultant exit of the overseas players from the tournament. The players like Marcus Stoinis, Xavier Bartlett, Josh Inglis, and Aaron Hardie, among others, still have their future hanging in the balance. Owen's availability is right on time for PBKS, who are just a victory away from reaching the play-offs for the first time in 11 years. They are third on the points table at present, garnering 15 points in 11 matches. PBKS have done well under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer and are now looking for an Owen-type player to give that extra push in the final leg. There are three league matches left, and he may prove vital in this regard. Nonetheless, PBKS will be keeping a close vigil on Owen's adaptability. Although explosive, he has found slower tracks difficult to handle. With Punjab shifting their base to Jaipur, it may well pose a challenge for his skill on the slow Sawai Mansingh Stadium wicket. Also Read | 10 Cricketers Who Switched Careers After Retirement In spite of his tender age of just 23, this Tasmanian all-rounder has already caught the world's eye. He ruled the roost in the Big Bash League (BBL) last season with Hobart Hurricanes, amassing 452 runs in 11 games at an average of 45.20 and a staggering 203.60 strike rate, including two centuries. Between the BBL final and January 27, 2025, came his peak achievement, as he hammered a 39-ball hundred, a joint-fastest in BBL history. He struck 108 off 42 balls with 11 sixes to lead the Hurricanes to their maiden title. His 16-ball 50 was also the fastest in a BBL final, earning him Player of the Match. Before this, he had when dazzled with an unbeaten 101 off 64 balls against Perth Scorchers.