Major League Cricket head coach of the Washington Freedom, Ricky Ponting, has been confirmed

Delhi Capitals coach and former captain of Australia has inked a two-year contract with the team.

Prior to the start of Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States, Ricky Ponting, a former captain of Australia, has been named head coach of the Washington Freedom team. Greg Shipperd, a longtime mentor and coach of the Sydney Sixers, who guided Freedom to a third-place finish in the inaugural season, will be replaced by him.

In a statement, Ponting said, "I'm really excited to be joining the Washington Freedom in 2024." "In the US, cricket is becoming more and more popular, and I'm excited to play in Major League Cricket. Everyone at Washington Freedom has impressed me, and even though it seems strange to be taking over for my friend Greg Shipperd, there isn't really a better person to build a successful franchise. As we look forward to the upcoming season, I'm prepared to build on his work."

In order to concentrate on the New South Wales Blues and the Sixers in Australia's domestic circuit, Shepperd resigned.

Ponting has held positions in short-form cricket with the Mumbai Indians and the Australian men's team in addition to his current position as head coach of the Delhi Capitals in the IPL. He has agreed to coach Freedom for the ensuing two years.

The signing of Ponting will have a big impact on the organization and cricket in the United States, according to Michael Klinger, General Manager of Cricket at Washington Freedom and Head of Male T20 Cricket for CNSW.

"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," Klinger stated. "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."Athletes desire to compete for Ricky. He is incredibly good at spotting talent and getting the most out of those players. Ricky will collaborate with a few of our CNSW coaches and players who are a part of the Washington Freedom organization, and we're excited to build on the success of the inaugural MLC."

Owner of Freedom Sanjay Govil stated that Ponting's appointment would build on MLC's first year's success and continue the company's positive evolution.

"Reflecting on the success of MLC's inaugural season and the aspiration to elevate cricket in the USA, we are poised to build upon the foundations laid last year," Govil stated. "During our journey, we ignited a passion for cricket and showcased the rising talent in the US, captivating the attention of the cricket-loving local community." As we consider the future, it is evident that our goals call for a person with unparalleled authority and experience.

"We are incredibly proud and excited to have Ricky Ponting join us as head coach. Our objectives are perfectly aligned with Ricky's legendary status, which is defined by his leadership, winning mentality, and dedication to developing talent. His comprehension of our goal, which is to grow local talent and raise the sport's profile in the US, aligns with our objectives.

As their high-performance partner, Cricket NSW, has seen the likes of Matthew Short, Moises Henriques, and Glenn Phillips play for Freedom.