Paarl Royals sign BBL 2024-25 final hero for remaining SA20 2025 games

Australia’s Mitchell Owen, who lit up the Big Bash League 2024-25 with a scintillating century for Hobart Hurricanes in the grand finale, has now earned his maiden T20 contract. SA20 franchise Paarl Royals have signed the 23-year-old as a replacement for Joe Root. 

Root, who slammed 279 runs across eight innings at an average of 55.80 and a strike rate of 140.20, has left for India for the three-match ODI series. The Royals have won seven of their nine fixtures so far and have already qualified for the playoffs.

Meanwhile, Owen had a stunning BBL 2024-25, hammering 452 runs in 11 games at an average of 45.20 and a strike rate of 203.60. The right-handed opener ended the competition as the highest run-scorer. 

The Royals will play their last league game against Sunrisers Eastern Cape on February 1 before taking on MI Cape Town in the Qualifier 1 on February 4. Both these games will be played at St George's Park in Gqeberha.