Sport

Australian cricket great Ricky Ponting named as new coach of Major League Cricket's Washington Freedom

Australian cricket great Ricky Ponting is expanding his T20 coaching career, taking charge of the Washington Freedom franchise in America's Major League Cricket.

Ponting was named on Wednesday morning (Australian time) as the Freedom's new coach on a two-year deal, replacing another Australian — and Ponting's former Tasmanian coach — Greg Shipperd.

Shipperd is returning to Australia to focus on the NSW Blues and the Sydney Sixers. Cricket NSW is the high-performance partner of the Freedom.

"Cricket is really on the rise in the US and I'm looking forward to being involved in Major League Cricket," Ponting was quoted in a statement.

"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." 

The 49-year-old Ponting moved into coaching in the years after his retirement as a player in 2013.

He has become a high-profile mentor, winning the IPL title with the Mumbai Indians in 2015. Ponting has been a permanent presence in the IPL, spending three years with Mumbai and the last six seasons with the Delhi franchise, first as the Daredevils and latterly as the Capitals.

Cricket as a sport has been long overshadowed by baseball in the United States, but increasing investment in the game led to the establishment of the six-team Major League Cricket competition in 2023.

The second season of Major League Cricket will begin on July 4 this year, in the wake of the ICC men's T20 World Cup (June 2-29), which will be hosted by the United States and the West Indies.  

The Freedom's squad includes Moises Henriques and Ben Dwarshuis who play with the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash, big hitting New Zealand player Glenn Phillips and South African all-rounder Marco Jansen.

Washington Freedom owner Sanjay Govil welcomed Ponting's arrival and said the appointment would help to build on the franchise's inaugural year and to create "a legacy of excellence in American cricket".

"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.

"As we look to the future, it's clear that our ambitions require a figure of unmatched stature and expertise.

"It is with immense pride and anticipation that we welcome Ricky Ponting as our head coach.

"Ricky's legendary status, characterised by his leadership, winning mindset, and commitment to nurturing talent, aligns perfectly with our goals.

"His understanding of our vision—to enhance the sport's profile in the US and to develop local talent—resonates with our mission."

Michael Klinger, who is the Cricket NSW head of male T20 cricket and the general manager of cricket at the Washington Freedom, described Ponting's appointment as "a huge coup" for Major League Cricket and for the game in North America.

"Players want to play for Ricky. He has an incredible eye for talent and a skill in bringing the best out of those players," Klinger said.

"We are excited at the opportunities this appointment will bring both Cricket NSW and Washington Freedom."