Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has been appointed head coach of Washington Freedom forward of the second season of the Major League Cricket (MLC) within the United States. He will take over from Sydney Sixers coach and his longtime mentor Greg Shipperd, who led Freedom to a third-place end within the inaugural season.

"I'm extremely excited to be joining the Washington Freedom in 2024," Ponting mentioned in an announcement. "Cricket is really on the rise in the US and I'm looking forward to being involved in Major League Cricket. 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."

Shipperd stepped right down to concentrate on Cricket New South Wales Blues and the Sixers in Australia's home circuit.

Ponting is at present the top coach of Delhi Capitals within the IPL, and has beforehand crammed roles in cricket's quick kind with the Mumbai Indians and the Australian males's group. He can be teaching the Washington DC primarily based MLC aspect for the subsequent two years.

"Ricky was one of the most recognised and revered cricketers in the world during his playing days and is now one of the most respected and coveted coaches on the global circuit," Klinger mentioned. "It is a huge coup, not only for Washington Freedom and the partnership with Cricket NSW, but more holistically for Major League Cricket and cricket in North America in general.

"Players wish to play for Ricky. He has an unimaginable eye for expertise and a talent in bringing the perfect out of these gamers. Ricky will work with a few of our CNSW coaches and gamers who're a part of the Washington Freedom arrange and we stay up for constructing on the foundations for achievement from the primary version of MLC."

Freedom owner Sanjay Govil said Ponting's appointment would continue the positive evolution for MLC and build on the foundation of the first year.

"Reflecting on the success of MLC's inaugural season and the aspiration to raise cricket within the USA, we're poised to construct upon the foundations laid final 12 months," Govil said. "Our journey noticed us seize the creativeness of the cricket-passionate local people, showcasing the burgeoning expertise throughout the US and igniting a ardour for the game. As we glance to the longer term, it is clear that our ambitions require a determine of unmatched stature and experience.

"It is with immense pride and anticipation that we welcome Ricky Ponting as our head coach. Ricky's legendary status, characterized by his leadership, winning mindset, and commitment to nurturing talent, aligns perfectly with our goals. His understanding of our vision - to enhance the sport's profile in the US and to develop local talent - resonates with our mission.

Freedom have Cricket NSW as their high-performance associate, and had Matthew Short, Moises Henriques, Glenn Phillips amongst others flip up for them.