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The former Australia captain and current Delhi Capitals coach has signed a two-year deal with the Washington DC-based MLC franchise.
ESPNcricinfo Staff
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has been appointed head coach of Washington Freedom ahead of the second season of Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States. He will replace Sydney Sixers coach and longtime mentor Greg Shipperd, who led Freedom to a third-place finish in the inaugural season.
“I am very excited to join Washington Freedom in 2024,” Ponting said in a statement. “Cricket is really on the rise in the US and I’m looking forward to getting involved in Major League Cricket. I’ve been impressed with everyone involved in Washington Freedom and although it’s a bit surreal replacing my teammate Greg Shipperd “Probably not There is no one better to establish a successful franchise. “I’m ready to take advantage of his work for next season.”
Shipperd resigned to concentrate on Cricket New South Wales Blues and the Sixers on the Australian domestic circuit.
Ponting is currently the head coach of Delhi Capitals in the IPL and previously held positions in short form cricket with the Mumbai Indians and the Australian men’s team. He will coach the Washington DC-based MLC team for the next two years.
Michael Klinger, CNSW director of men’s T20 cricket and general director of cricket at Washington Freedom, said Ponting’s signing would have a significant impact on the organization and cricket in America.
“Ricky was one of the most recognized and revered cricketers in the world during his playing days and is now one of the most respected and coveted coaches on the global circuit,” Klinger said. “It is a huge coup, not just for Washington Freedom and the partnership with Cricket NSW, but more holistically for Major League Cricket and cricket in North America generally.
“Players want to play for Ricky. He has an incredible eye for talent and an ability to bring out the best in those players. Ricky will be working with some of our CNSW coaches and players who are part of the Washington Freedom organization and we look forward to it.” build on the foundations of the success of the first edition of MLC”.
Freedom owner Sanjay Govil said Ponting’s appointment would continue MLC’s positive evolution and build on the foundations of the first year.
“Reflecting on the success of the inaugural MLC season and the aspiration to elevate cricket in the US, we are prepared to build on the foundation laid last year,” Govil said. “Our journey saw us capture the imagination of the local cricket-passionate community, showcasing the burgeoning talent within the US and igniting a passion for the sport. As we look to the future, it is clear that our ambitions require a figure of stature and skill.
“It is with immense pride and anticipation that we welcome Ricky Ponting as our head coach. Ricky’s legendary status, characterized by his leadership, winning mentality and commitment to nurturing talent, aligns perfectly with our objectives. His understanding of Our vision – to raise the profile of the sport in the US and develop local talent – resonates with our mission.
Freedom has Cricket NSW as its high performance partner, and Matthew Short, Moises Henriques, Glenn Phillips, among others, have performed for them.