Ricky Ponting Considers Coaching Stint in USA’s Major League Cricket

Cricket legend Ricky Ponting has revealed that he is currently engaged in discussions regarding the coaching role for the Washington Freedom side in the upcoming second edition of Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States.

In the inaugural MLC season in 2023, financially supported by various IPL sides, Washington, under the coaching of Greg Shipperd, secured a commendable third place. Despite their efforts, they faced a setback, losing to MI New York by 16 runs in the Eliminator.

“We’re not there yet, I haven’t committed to anything just yet. There have been some discussions. I haven’t committed to anything just yet, but I’ve had some initial chats. The time of the year (when the MLC is on) fits in for me,” shared Ponting in an interview with SEN Radio.

The second edition of MLC is scheduled to kick off just four days after the Men’s T20 World Cup final at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 30. Before this, Ponting will be coaching the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024. Although not confirmed for commentary on the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup, Ponting is contemplating his involvement.

“I’ve got a few weeks now before the IPL, which rolls into the T20 World Cup, and the MLC is immediately after the World Cup. It’s potentially another big year away if I want it. There’s just some stuff that I have to work through. If I’m going to be commentating the T20 World Cup or not and if I’m not doing that, where does MLC fit in?” he added.

Having previously led the Mumbai Indians in the IPL and served as an assistant coach under Justin Langer for the Australian team, particularly during the 2019 Men’s ODI World Cup, Ponting expressed his affinity for coaching.

“I like the coaching side of things and I’ve enjoyed my time at the IPL in the past six to seven years. I’ve been able to help around the Australian team on a couple of tours when Justin Langer was coach. The game is in my blood, and I love working with the best players in the world and trying to find a way to make them a bit better. All in the hope that we can win some games along the way,” concluded Ponting.

-IANS