Excited to take on new challenge: Ricky Ponting after being named as new Punjab Kings head coach

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting on Wednesday expressed his happiness after being named as the new head coach of Punjab Kings, calling it a “new challenge”. Earlier on Wednesday, Punjab Kings announced the appointment of Ponting as head coach. He will take charge for the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and beyond. Ponting said he is “grateful” to the Punjab-based franchise for the opportunity and added that the team owners are “delighted” with his vision for the team. Ahead of the 2025 IPL season, Ponting ‘promised’ that fans will see a different Punjab Kings.

Ponting said in a statement issued by the team, “I am grateful to Punjab Kings for giving me the opportunity to become the new head coach. I am excited to take on this new challenge. I had a good conversation with the owners and management about the way forward and was thrilled to see how close our visions are. We all want to reward the loyal fans who have supported the franchise over the years and we promise that they will see a much better Punjab Kings.”

Ponting is the third head coach in four seasons for the Punjab Kings, who finished ninth in the 2024 IPL season.

The team have not reached the playoffs since 2014, when they finished runners-up. Ponting’s first task will be to identify players for retention ahead of next season, depending on when the IPL’s retention rules are finalised.

Speaking on Ponting’s appointment, Punjab Kings CEO Satish Menon said, “We are delighted to have Ricky on board to guide and build our team over the next four seasons. His vast experience is vital to help us build a team capable of delivering success on the field. His international coaching experience and insights as a television pundit will be crucial in identifying talent ahead of the upcoming mega auction. Ricky’s ability to develop cricketing and leadership skills will play a vital role in our success.”

Ponting’s IPL journey began as a player with Kolkata Knight Riders in the inaugural season in 2008. He later joined Mumbai Indians, where he relinquished captaincy midway through the 2013 season, helping Rohit Sharma lead the team to their maiden title.

Ponting has previously coached Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals for 11 seasons in the IPL, leading them to one championship and four playoffs.

In the 2024 Major League Cricket (MLC) season, he was appointed head coach of the Washington Freedom, leading them to the title. Since 2021, Ponting has also been the head of strategy for the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League (BBL).

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