Ricky Ponting has joined the Major League Cricket (MLC) franchise team.
Washington Freedom as the head coach in the cricket of the United States. Ponting, an Australian cricket legend, has taken over the responsibility of coaching Washington with a two-year contract. In the previous season of MLC, Washington was brought to the third position by their coach Greg Shipperd.
As Shipperd also coaches the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League (BBL), he has relinquished the coaching role at Washington to focus more on the Sydney Sixers. Ponting, who has been a mentor to Shipperd for a long time, will now take Shipperd’s place at Washington, where he will coach the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket history.
In a statement, Ponting expressed his interest in taking on the role at Washington Freedom, saying, “I am considering taking on the responsibility of Washington Freedom in 2024. Cricket is expanding in the USA, and I am waiting to participate in Major League Cricket. I am fascinated by everyone at Washington Freedom. Taking over from Greg Shipperd also feels surreal. No one does it better than Shipperd for a franchise. I want to continue his work.” Ponting, who is currently the coach of the Delhi Capitals in the IPL, has previously held coaching roles with the Mumbai Indians and teams in Australia.
Michael Klinger, the general manager of Washington Freedom and a former Australian cricketer, said Ponting’s inclusion would play a significant role in cricket’s expansion in the USA. He said, “Ricky has been one of the most familiar and respected faces in world cricket in his playing days. Now he is one of the most respected coaches globally. It is not only for Washington Freedom but also fantastic for Major League Cricket and cricket in North America. Players want to play under Ricky.”In the first season of MLC, Australian stars like Adam Zampa, Aaron Finch, and Moises Henriques have participated. Among the six teams in the tournament, four have received financial assistance from IPL franchise teams.
Star cricketers from other countries have also participated in this franchise league in the previous season.In the last final, players like Quinton de Kock, Heinrich Klaasen, Wayne Parnell, and Dwaine Pretorius played for Seattle Orkas. MI New York won the final, with players like Nicholas Pooran, David Willey, Tim David, Trent Boult, and Rashid Khan contributing to their victory.
