Peshawar Zalmi’s recruitment of international stars speaks volumes, especially considering that the Indian Premier League has poached not one but two superstars from their team this year, with Mitchell Owen the latest name.
South Africa’s Corbin Bosch was the first player to leave Zalmi before PSL 10 even began, joining Mumbai Indians, while Punjab Kings recently acquired the services of Owen. However, the transition for the Australian is expected to go down a lot more amicably than what happened with Bosch. The all-rounder was involved in a legal tussle with the PCB, which ended with him being banned from the PSL for one year.
Owen, currently representing Peshawar Zalmi in PSL 10, will not face any such legal repercussions because he will honor his contractual obligations with the league before taking leave.
Sources confirm that Owen will fully take part in PSL 10, only joining the Punjab Kings after Peshawar Zalmi’s season concludes. That includes Zalmi’s remaining group-stage fixtures against Karachi Kings (May 8) and Lahore Qalandars (May 9). Zalmi, currently hovering just outside the playoff spots, are still in contention for a top-four finish, meaning Mitchell Owen could still feature in the playoffs scheduled from May 13 to 18.
For Punjab Kings, who are firmly in the IPL playoff race, the timing of Owen’s arrival could prove crucial. If Zalmi fail to qualify, Owen will likely link up with Punjab in time for their final two league games and be available for the playoffs. If Zalmi advance, his arrival will be delayed accordingly, but without any breach of agreement.
This careful management of commitments is what makes Owen’s case fundamentally different from that of Bosch and will not upset either league, despite the ongoing animosity between the two nations.
Owen, despite not lighting up the PSL with the bat—just 101 runs in 7 matches at a dazzling strike rate of 198, plus two wickets—remains a key cog in Zalmi’s campaign. His ability to clear the fence with ease could prove crucial to Zalmi’s charge towards the playoffs.
For now, Zalmi fans can breathe easy: Mitchell Owen stays in yellow for the foreseeable future. If he lights up the IPL like he did the BBL in Australia, we might not get to see him in the PSL for a while—not because he will be banned, but because no other league competing with the PSL will likely leave him without a contract.
Prosports.pk brings you the latest updates from the world of PSL! Stay updated with the latest PSL X points table, PSL X Squads, PSL X Schedule, PSL Live Score & Much more!
