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

Cricketer-turned-commentator Ricky Ponting has a hectic schedule this year. However, the Australia batting legend has plans to join Washington Freedom as a coach in Major Cricket League 2024 (MLC 2024). Ricky Ponting will be quite busy with IPL 2024 and ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

IPL 2024 will take place from March to May 2024. Ricky Ponting is the head coach of the Delhi Capitals team and will guide the franchise during the tournament. Later, Ponting will also execute the commentator’s role in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, which commences on June 4 in the West Indies and USA.

Major Cricket League is a franchise T20 tournament based in the United States of America (USA). The T20 tournament witnessed its first season last year. The second edition, MLC 2024, will take place in July this year. Some IPL franchises have also invested in the tournament and have their teams.

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Ricky Ponting plans coaching role with Washington Freedom in MLC 2024

While speaking to Australia SEN Radio, former Australia captain Ricky Pointing informed that he is in talks with the Washington Freedom franchise for a coaching role in the Major Cricket League 2024 season. However, he also said that nothing is confirmed as of now.

“We’re not there yet, I haven’t committed to anything just yet, but I’ve had some initial discussions. The time of the year sort of fits in okay for me, but I’ve got a really hectic off-season again. When I say off-season, there’s no such thing as an off-season for cricketers anymore,” said Ponting, who led Australia to two ODI World Cups trophies in 2003 and 2007.

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I’d love a coaching role in MLC: Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting, who represented Australia from 1995 to 2012, also added that it will be challenging to fit the MLC season with the commentator duties in the T20 World Cup 2024. Notably, MLC 2024 will begin within a week after the T20 World Cup final. However, Ponting also said he would love the coaching role in Major Cricket League.

“It’s potentially another big year of time away if I want it, so there are things I’ve got to work through. If I’m actually going to be commentating in the T20 World Cup or not and if I’m not doing that, where does MLC fit in?”, the 49-year-old said.

“I love the coaching side of it. I love working with the best players in the world and trying to find a way to make them better, and winning some games along the way,” the former right-handed batsman further said.

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Washington Freedom finished in 3rd spot last season

Washington Freedom finished in the 3rd spot in the points table in the last season of Major League Cricket. They qualified for playoffs but lost to MI New York in Eliminator. The latter ultimately crushed Seatle Orcas in the final to win the trophy. Six teams participate in the Major Cricket League.