Big blow for Delhi Capitals right on the verge of IPL 2024 as Ricky Ponting joins a new team

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has been named head coach for the Washington Freedom in the upcoming Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024 season. Ricky Ponting will take over from Greg Shipperd, who led the team to third place in the inaugural season.

Ricky Ponting possesses extensive coaching experience in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Ponting is currently coaching the Delhi Capitals in the IPL. Additionally, he previously coached the Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Australian men’s team in cricket’s short formats.

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Extremely Excited To Be Joining The Washington Freedom – Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting expressed his excitement about joining the Washington Freedom for the 2024 season. He emphasized his eagerness to contribute to the growth of cricket in the US. He also acknowledged the honor of following in the footsteps of his friend Greg Shipperd.

“I’m extremely excited to be joining the Washington Freedom in 2024. Cricket is really on the rise in the US and I’m looking forward to being involved in Major League Cricket. I’ve been impressed by everyone involved at Washington Freedom, and, while it’s a bit surreal to be replacing my mate Greg Shipperd, there’s probably no one better to set up a successful franchise. I’m ready to build on his work as we look towards the coming season,” Ponting said in a statement.

Shipperd resigned to concentrate on the New South Wales Blues and the Sixers in Australia’s domestic circuit. Ponting is set to coach the Washington Freedom in Major League Cricket for the next two years, bringing his expertise to the Washington DC-based team.

Under the leadership of Moises Henriques, Freedom secured third place in the 2023 league standings. They faced a defeat against MI New York in the Eliminator by 16 runs. The team registered three victories and two losses in the group stage of the tournament.

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Ricky Ponting Is Now One Of The Most Respected Coaches – Michael Klinger

Michael Klinger, CNSW Head of Male T20 Cricket and General Manager of Cricket at the Washington Freedom, expressed confidence that Ponting’s appointment would greatly benefit cricket in the USA.

“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. It is a huge coup, not only for Washington Freedom and the partnership with Cricket NSW, but more holistically for Major League Cricket and cricket in North America in general,” Klinger said.

Major League Cricket’s second edition is scheduled to commence on July 4, 2024. The tournament’s schedule is anticipated to be announced soon, with all six teams from the inaugural season returning for the upcoming edition.

The inaugural season was highly successful, significantly boosting cricket’s popularity in the USA. Nicholas Pooran led MI New York to victory in the final against the Seattle Orcas. MI New York won three consecutive playoff matches to secure the MLC title in the first season.

Also read: Massive blow for Delhi Capitals as Ricky Ponting set to take new coaching role ahead of IPL 2024