NEW DELHI: Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has been named as the head coach of Washington Freedom ahead of the upcoming second season of Major League Cricket (MLC), marking a significant development in American cricket.
The franchise made the announcement on X, expressing excitement about Ponting's leadership and the transformation he is set to bring to American cricket. Ponting replaced Greg Shipperd, under whose guidance Freedom finished third in the inaugural season of MLC.
Ponting, eager to embark on this new cricketing journey in the United States, expressed his enthusiasm in a statement, highlighting the rising popularity of cricket in the country.
Ponting praised the efforts of everyone involved with Washington Freedom and emphasized his readiness to build on Shipperd's groundwork for the coming season.
Michael Klinger, CNSW head of male T20 cricket and general manager of cricket at Washington Freedom, emphasized the significance of Ponting's arrival, believing it will have a substantial impact on MLC and cricket in the US.
Klinger lauded Ponting's reputation as a respected coach with a keen eye for talent, expressing confidence in his ability to bring out the best in players.
Freedom owner Sanjay Govil reflected on the success of MLC's inaugural season and articulated the franchise's aspirations to elevate cricket in the USA. Govil emphasized the need for a figure of unmatched stature and expertise, highlighting Ponting's appointment as a crucial step in realizing their ambitions for the future.
Ponting's appointment adds a new dimension to the burgeoning cricket landscape in the United States, promising an exciting chapter for Washington Freedom and Major League Cricket as they strive to make an impact on the global cricketing stage.
(With input from ANI)
