Mitch Owen signs with Paarl Royals in South Africa

Everyone expected Mitch Owen’s phone to ring hot after his unbelievable hundred in the Big Bash final, and it’s resulted in an overseas deal.

The batting heroics of unheralded Mitch Owen in the Big Bash final have reaped immediate rewards after the Tasmanian signed his first international deal in South Africa, where Marcus Stoinis suffered a potential hamstring injury that could hamper his preparation for the Champions Trophy.

Owen, who had only played two BBL games for the Hobart Hurricanes before this season, blasted a 39-ball hundred, the equal fastest in tournament history, to steer his team to the title and put his name on the radar of international franchises.

The 23-year-old, who made 452 runs for the BBL season, has signed with the Paarl Royals in the SA20 competition as a replacement for English star Joe Root.

Paarl Royals are part of the Rajasthan Royals worldwide family of teams and Owen could also potentially find himself called up to the Indian Premier League as a replacement player.

Fresh off a BBL winning hundred, Mitch Owen is ready to bring the Gees for the Royals! 🔥💗

🚨 The young Australian will replace Joe Root, who leaves tomorrow to join England in India. pic.twitter.com/vDeXCpAZSR

— Paarl Royals (@paarlroyals) January 30, 2025

Owen will join the Royals for the playoffs in South Africa after they finished on top of the table.

But the ongoing presence of Stoinis for the Durban Super Giants, and then for Australia at the Champions Trophy in February, is under a cloud after he suffered an injury while bowling.

After hitting an unbeaten 55 off 40 balls against Paarl earlier this week, the Australian all-rounder bowled a two-over spell but then only three more balls before leaving the field with what looked to be a hamstring problem.

“He just felt something in his hamstring,” DSG captain Keshav Maharaj said.

“I don’t think it was too serious but obviously the logical thing to do as a fast bowler is to go off the field, so I’m sure the medical staff will assess and then communicate with Cricket Australia.

“But I think he’ll be OK. He’s a soldier, he’s a fighter and he’s a big unit, so I’m sure he’ll be OK.”

Australia will begin its Champions Trophy campaign against England on February 22 in Pakistan.