Australian legend Ricky Ponting has confirmed his interest in coaching a T20 franchise in the Major League Cricket competition later this year.
The former Australian Test captain was linked with the Washington Freedom earlier this week, with the American-based competition looking to continue their growth after a strong inaugural season in 2023.
Ponting has held multiple coaching roles since retiring from cricket in 2013, leading the Delhi Capitals in the IPL for the past five years, as well as working with the Hobart Hurricanes and Cricket Australia.
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But in a surprising call, Ponting is now firmly in the mix to coach in the MLC following this year’s T20 World Cup, which will be held in the United States and West Indies.
“There have been some discussions … I haven’t committed to anything just yet, but I’ve had some initial chats,” he told SEN Radio.
“The time of the year fits in for me. I’ve got a few weeks now before the IPL, which rolls into the T20 World Cup and the MLC is immediately after the World Cup.
“It’s potentially another big year of time away [from home] if I want it. There’s just some stuff that I have to work through.
“I like the coaching side of things and I’ve enjoyed my time at the IPL in the past six to seven years. The game is in my blood and I love working with the best players in the world and trying to find a way to make them a bit better.”
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Ponting is widely-regarded as one of the great minds in world cricket, with his tactical nous as a former Australian captain spilling over into his work in the commentary box and the coaching hot-seat.
Washington finished third in the inaugural MLC season, with this year’s tournament slated to begin in July.
