Ricky Ponting in talks to coach MLC franchise

Legendary cricketer Ricky Ponting has coaching offers on the table from the Major League Cricket (MLC) franchise Washington Freedom in the United States of America (USA).

The 49-year-old is currently the head coach of Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and also does commentary from time to time. Meanwhile, the former cricketer has confirmed the new development but added that he is yet to make a decision.

After the conclusion of the IPL in May, Ponting is likely to work as a commentator in the upcoming T20 World Cup, which is slated to begin on June 1. The two-time World Cup-winning captain will be free to take up the coaching role after that but that would require him spending a lot of time away from home. Keeping that in mind, Ponting is yet to reach a conclusion but will make his decision sooner than later.

“There have been some discussions. I haven’t committed to anything just yet but I’ve had some initial chats. The time of the year (when the MLC is on) 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,” Ponting told SEN 1170.

“It’s potentially another big year of time away 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,” he added. 

The game is in my blood and I love working with the best players in the world: Ricky Ponting

Reflecting upon his coaching career so far, Ponting mentioned that he loves working with the best players in the world and recalled his time working with the Australian team under the leadership of then-coach Justin Langer. 

“I’ve been able to help around the Australian team on a couple of tours when Justin Langer was coach. 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. All in the hope that we can win some games along the way,” he concluded.