Picture Credit: X
Ahead of the Major League Cricket (MLC) season two, Washington Freedom have named former Australia captain Ricky Ponting as their head coach. The franchise made the announcement early on Wednesday, February 7, expressing Ponting's inclusion in MLC as a major significant development in American cricket.
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It is to be noted that Ponting will replace Greg Shipperd, under whose guidance the franchise finished third in the inaugural edition of the tournament. “Get ready for a cricket revolution! With @RickyPonting leading, Washington Freedom is set to transform American cricket,” The franchise captioned the post on X announcing Ponting appointment.
Moreover, Shipperd, who is the coach of the Syndey Sixers in Big Bash League (BBL), stepped down from the coaching role with the Freedom to focus on domestic cricket in Australia.
Ricky Ponting showed excitement on the appointment and also lauded the mentorship of his fellow Australian Shipperd. “I’m extremely excited to be joining the Washington Freedom in 2024. Cricket is really on the rise in the US, and I’m looking forward to being involved in Major League Cricket,” Ponting said.
“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.”
Speaking of the Washington Freedom, the franchise finished third in the inaugural season. They lost to MI New York in the Eliminator to crash out of the tournament last season. Moreover, while Matthew Short was the leading run-scorer, adding 152 runs from six innings at an average of 25.33, USA pacer Saurabh Netravalkar finished as the top wicket-taker.
