Shane Warne questions Ricky Ponting’s dual responsibilities in IPL and World Cup

Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) newly appointed brand ambassador Shane Warne has expressed a reservation. The former cricketer feels former Australia captain Ricky Ponting might not be okay to hold responsibility with an IPL franchise after he has been made a part of the Kangaroos’ coaching staff for the upcoming World Cup. He also cited a past precedent on the same.

In 2015, India’s head coach Ravi Shastri, who was then the side’s team director, was moved out of the IPL governing council by the BCCI owing to a potential clash of interests. Shastri had been in the council since the tournament’s inception. In this World Cup year, a similar situation has come up featuring Ponting, the head coach of Delhi Capitals (former Daredevils).

Punter, as Ponting is popularly known, has also been made the assistant batting coach for the defending world champions for the showpiece event starting in England and Wales on May 30. If Shastri was stopped from carrying out a dual role, should Ponting be allowed by the BCCI?

If Shastri not, why Ponting, asks Warne

Speaking to Mumbai Mirror, Warne, who was the Man of the Match in both the semi-final and final of the 1999 World Cup held in England, said: “…this is not for me to say but if the BCCI decides Ravi Shastri cannot be part of the IPL, then I don’t see how Ricky can be.”

Ponting was recently included as a member of Australia’s coaching staff to help boosting their batting which has seemed fragile over the last one year. The two-time WC-winning captain will start with his work with Australia’s upcoming away ODI series against India and Pakistan.

“I’m really excited to be joining the coaching group for this year’s World Cup. I’ve enjoyed my previous short-term roles with the ODI and T20 Teams but World Cups take on a whole different meaning for me,” the 44-year-old said, adding that he has much confidence in the players that are available for the selectors to serve Australia at the mega event.

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