‘We've got a title to defend’ - Mitch Owen eyes back-to-back BBL crowns with Hobart Hurricanes
"It was obviously a super special moment and I do think about it often. (But) that's sort of happened now, that's last season and we've got a title to defend," said Owen.
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Hobart Hurricanes opener Mitch Owen is focused on the future, as he and the reigning Big Bash League (BBL) champions set their sights on securing back-to-back titles.
Owen recently returned from the West Indies, where he made his T20 International debut for Australia. Reflecting on his journey, he took a moment to recall the unforgettable night at Ninja Stadium when the Hurricanes claimed their maiden BBL title.
"It was obviously a super special moment and I do think about it often. (But) that's sort of happened now, that's last season and we've got a title to defend. The focus sort of shifts to next season and making sure that this (BBL trophy) stays here this time next year,” Owen said to cricket.com.au.
Just tried to get after them from ball one: Mitchell Owen
Since their BBL 14 triumph six months ago, the Hobart Hurricanes have been steadily building a squad capable of defending their title this summer. The middle-order batter Tim David turned down offers from rival BBL clubs to commit to the reigning champions, signing a two-year contract last month.
While the Hurricanes parted ways with Caleb Jewell in a trade with the Melbourne Renegades, they have made significant gains in the off-season, securing Beau Webster and Jake Weatherald for BBL 15. Webster returns to the club where he made his T20 debut during BBL 06, while Weatherald's transition to Tasmania is now complete, following two seasons with the Tigers in both the One-Day Cup and Sheffield Shield competitions.
With 15 of the 18 squad spots already filled, Owen is confident that the Hurricanes are in a strong position to lift the BBL trophy once again on January 25, 2026.
"I feel like we couldn't be in a better position. I think everyone is excited to (have the opportunity) to go back-to-back," Owen said.
Since lifting the BBL 14 title in January, Owen has showcased his talent on the global stage, featuring in the SA20, Indian Premier League (IPL), Pakistan Super League (PSL), and Major League Cricket (MLC). But, the 23-year-old still considers the BBL one of his favourite competitions in world cricket.
The Hobart Hurricanes will kick off their BBL 15 campaign with a blockbuster rematch of last season’s final, taking on the Sydney Thunder on December 16.
“I’ve said at most tournaments that I can't wait to get back and play for the Hurricanes. The atmosphere that built up through last year, and then obviously that final was amazing, and I can't wait to see what happens this year. Hopefully it'll stack on top of that,” said Owen.
Hobart Hurricanes Squad for BBL 15:
Rehan Ahmed, Iain Carlisle, Nikhil Chaudhary, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Rishad Hossain, Chris Jordan, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Mitch Owen, Billy Stanlake, Matthew Wade, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster, Mac Wright
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