Just when the excitement around PSL 10’s grand return was beginning to build, Peshawar Zalmi have been dealt a significant blow — Mitchell Owen won’t be joining them for the business end of the tournament.
The 23-year-old Aussie batter, who had impressed in brief flashes earlier this season, is opting to stay back with Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 instead of returning to Pakistan.
IPL or PSL? Mitchell Owen Has Made His Choice
Originally, Owen was expected to join Punjab Kings after completing his PSL stint with Zalmi. But then, the political storm between India and Pakistan threw everything off balance.
With both leagues on pause and tensions flaring across the border, scheduling became a nightmare. Eventually, a ceasefire allowed things to settle, and both the IPL and PSL boards released new fixtures.
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But here’s the kicker — the updated schedules clashed.
And Owen, understandably prioritizing IPL commitments (and let’s be honest, probably a much bigger paycheck), has decided to stick with Punjab Kings until the playoffs, should they qualify.
A Missed Opportunity for Peshawar Zalmi
It’s not just about losing a name — Owen was actually showing signs of becoming a real asset. In 8 innings, he notched up 102 runs. That might not sound like a lot on paper, but what really caught attention was his blazing strike rate of 192.45.
In the ever-evolving world of T20s, that’s gold.
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He wasn’t just padding stats — he was shifting momentum. Zalmi will surely feel that absence, especially in a tournament where one over can change everything.
With Owen out, Najibullah Zadran and Abdul Samad are ready to step in and deliver. Both are explosive in their own right, and if they find form at the right time, Zalmi could still be serious contenders.
Currently, the franchise is still in the hunt for a playoff spot, and with the margins so tight, there’s no room for error.
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