SA20 2025: Paarl Royals Rope in BBL Winner Mitchell Owen as Replacement For India-Bound Joe Root

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Paarl Royals has roped in uncapped Australian batter and recent Big Bash League (BBL) winner Mitchell Owen as replacement for England star Joe Root for the remainder of the ongoing SA20 2025.

Owen earns his SA20 contract after impressing in the BBL final for Hobart Hurricanes. The 23-year-old, who finished BBL 14 as the leading run-scorer, announced his arrival in the final with a title-winning century for Hurricanes.

Following a 39-ball hundred, Owen was expected to garner interest from T20 leagues across the world. While he may need to wait for a big Indian Premier League (IPL) contract, the youngster has been picked up by the Paarl Royals.

"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," Royals annouced Owens signing on their social media handle on Thursday (January 30).

In his maiden SA20 appearance, Root leaves the tournament as one of the top run-getters. In 8 innings, Root scored a total of 279 runs, including three fifties at a strike rate of 140.20. The Royals will definitely miss the English all-rounder's service, but he exits the tournament with the team in good position.

Royals have signed Owen as a replacement for former England captain Root, who is head to India, to linking up with his national squad for the upcoming ODI series, and is unavailable for the rest of the SA20.

Paarl Royals have already confirmed their playoff spot, and also a top two-finish, which guarantees them a spot in the qualifier, where they will take on MI Cape Town next week. So, the Royals will hope Owen carries forward his form from the BBL 14 final and leads the team to their first SA20 title.

Before the Qualifier 1 on February 4, Paarl Royals will finish their league stage campaign with a clash against the two-time defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape at the St George's Park in Gqeberha on Saturday (February 1).