Australian cricket awesome Ricky Ponting named as modern coach of Major Alliance Cricket’s Washington Flexibility
Renowned Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting is extending his Twenty20 coaching career by leading the Major League Cricket Washington Freedom team in the United States.
On Wednesday morning (Australian time), Ponting was announced the new coach of the Freedom for a two-year contract. Greg Shipperd, a fellow Australian and Ponting’s previous Tasmanian coach, was replaced by Ponting.
Shipperd is going back to Australia to concentrate on the Sydney Sixers and the NSW Blues. The Freedom’s high-performance partner is Cricket NSW.
According to a statement, Ponting said, “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.”As we look forward to the upcoming season, I’m prepared to expand on his efforts.”
Following his playing retirement in 2013, 49-year-old Ponting transitioned into teaching.
He rose to prominence as a coach after leading the Mumbai Indians to the 2015 IPL championship. Throughout his three years with Mumbai and the latter six seasons with the Delhi franchise — first as the Daredevils and then as the Capitals — Ponting has established himself as a mainstay of the Indian Premier League.
Baseball has long eclipsed cricket as a popular sport in the US, but growing interest in the sport resulted in the formation of the six-team Major League Cricket league in 2023.
This year, on July 4, Major League Cricket’s second season will kick off following the United States and the West Indies’ June 2–29 hosting of the ICC men’s T20 World Cup.
Among the players on the Freedom’s roster are South African all-rounder Marco Jansen, big hitting New Zealand star Glenn Phillips, and Moises Henriques and Ben Dwarshuis, who play for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash.
Owner of the Washington Freedom, Sanjay Govil, hailed Ponting’s arrival and expressed optimism that the addition would help establish “a legacy of excellence in American cricket” and build on the team’s initial season.
“Our journey saw us capture the imagination of the cricket-passionate local community, showcasing the burgeoning talent within the US and igniting a passion for the sport.”It’s evident as we look to the future that our goals call for a person with unparalleled stature and experience.”We are excited and filled with pleasure to announce Ricky Ponting as our new head coach.
“Ricky’s incredible status, characterised by his authority, winning attitude, and commitment to sustaining ability, adjusts impeccably with our objectives.
“His understanding of our visionâto upgrade the sport’s profile within the US and to create nearby talentâresonates with our mission.”
Michael Klinger, who is the Cricket NSW head of male T20 cricket and the common director of cricket at the Washington Opportunity, portrayed Ponting’s arrangement as “a gigantic upset” for Major Alliance Cricket and for the diversion in North America.
“Players need to play for Ricky. He has an unimaginable eye for ability and a skill in bringing the most excellent out of those players,” Klinger said.
“We are energized at the openings this arrangement will bring both Cricket NSW and Washington Opportunity.”
