Picture Credit: X
Former Australian cricketer, Ricky Ponting has signed a new contract with Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Punjab Kings. Ponting, who parted ways with Delhi Capitals (DC) in July after finishing the 2024 edition with the franchise, has signed a multi-year contract with the Punjab-based franchise ahead of IPL 2025.
Ponting will join the side as their Head Coach ahead of IPL 2025 and will soon decide on the rest of the coaching staff as there remains no clarity on who will continue to be with the franchise from last season. As far as it is concerned, Ponting will join Trevor Bayliss, Sanjay Bangar (Head of Cricket Developments), Charl Langveldt (Fast-bowling coach) and Sunil Joshi (Spin-bowling coach).
Moreover, with Ponting joining the PBKS, he is set to be the sixth coach in seven seasons. His inclusion in the side will prove to be a vital addition seeing the IPL 2025 mega auction set to be held later this year in December.
Ponting ends seven-year stint with Delhi Capitals
Earlier in July 2024, Ponting ended his seven-year stint with the Delhi Capitals. The former Aussie cricketer had a lot of ups and downs with the franchise, failing to get a silverware despite reaching the finals in 2020. The development was confirmed by the Delhi-based franchise, who took to X to share a heartfelt tribute for their outgoing coach.
“As you move on as our head coach, we're finding it incredibly hard to put this down in words. The four things you told us about in every huddle - care, commitment, attitude and effort - they sum up our seven summers together. Seven summers of you being hands-on, but also hands-off, so that we could become better. As athletes, yes, but more importantly, as human beings. Seven summers of you reaching every training session first, and leaving last. Seven summers of you sprinting out of the dugout during strategic timeouts, and biting your nails off until there were none left,” DC wrote.
Furthermore, it is to be noted that Ponting has been a part of the IPL setup since the inaugural season in 2008, first as a player and then as a member of the coaching staff. Ponting joined Mumbai in 2014 as an advisory role and then joining them as head coach for two seasons. He joined DC as head coach in 2018 before parting ways in 2024.
