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Washington Freedom names Ricky Ponting as chief coach
Ponting is a highly sought-after off-field asset on the global T20 circuit
Ricky Ponting appointed as head coach for Washington Freedom / Image - Washington freedom/website
Ahead of the second season of Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States, team Washington Freedom has named popular cricketer Ricky Ponting as the new head coach.
Indian American entrepreneur Sanjay Govil who owns the team said Ponting’s appointment would continue the positive evolution of Major League Cricket and complement the fledgling league’s ‘mission’.
“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 said.
“I’m extremely excited to be joining the Washington Freedom in 2024,” Ponting said on X. “Cricket is really on the rise in the US and I’m looking forward to being involved in Major League Cricket.”
Get ready for a cricket revolution!
— Washington Freedom (@WSHFreedom) February 6, 2024
With @RickyPonting leading, Washington Freedom is set to transform American cricket.
As we dive into MLC Season 2, expect groundbreaking plays.
Let the games begin! #SweetFreedom #MLC #RickyPonting #WashingtonFreedom pic.twitter.com/RG6RNHQf4U
“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,” he added.
Greg Shipperd recently resigned from his position as Freedom’s coach to focus on Cricket NSW's Blues and the Sydney Sixers in the Australian domestic championships.
Former Australian cricket player, Ponting is now one of the most sought-after off-field assets on the world T20 circuit. He is widely recognized as one of the best players in history.
He has held positions in short-form cricket with Mumbai Indians and the Australian Men's squad, in addition to his present duty as coach of Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The MLC's inaugural season in 2023 changed the landscape of American cricket by bringing world-class domestic T20 action to the US, with the bulk of matches played in front of sold-out audiences in Texas and North Carolina.
Washington Freedom, headquartered in the US capital, was one of six teams to compete in the MLC's historic debut season. All six teams will reappear in the second season of MLC, which premieres on July 4.
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