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Ricky Ponting Appointed As New Head Coach of the Washington Freedom in MLC

image-lsb9yubkPonting replaces Greg Shipperd. (X.com)

Legendary Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting has assumed the role of coach for the Major League Cricket (MLC) team Washington Freedom. Ponting joins the Washington DC-based team after Greg Shipperd stepped down from his position following the inaugural season last year. Ponting has signed a two-year contract with the franchise.


Shipperd, who also coaches the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League (BBL), resigned as the coach of Freedom to focus more on domestic cricket in Australia.

Expressing his excitement upon his appointment, Ricky Ponting also commended his longtime mentor Shipperd for establishing a solid foundation for the Freedom to thrive.

"I'm thrilled to be joining the Washington Freedom in 2024. Cricket is gaining momentum in the US, and I'm eager to contribute to Major League Cricket. I've been impressed by the team at Washington Freedom, and although it's surreal to succeed my friend Greg Shipperd, there's perhaps no one better suited to establish a successful franchise. I'm prepared to build on his groundwork as we look ahead to the upcoming season,"  said Ricky Ponting.

Michael Klinger, the General Manager of Cricket at Freedom and head coach of the Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), expressed his delight with Ponting's new role with the MLC team.

"Ricky was one of the most revered and respected cricketers globally during his playing days and has since become one of the most esteemed and sought-after coaches on the international circuit,"  Klinger said.

Ponting's appointment as head coach marks his third full-time coaching role, following a two-year tenure with the Mumbai Indians and his subsequent position with the Delhi Capitals since 2018.

Taking the helm of the Freedom squad, Ponting inherits a team boasting notable players such as fellow Australians Ben Dwarshius, Josh Philippe, and Moises Henriques, alongside towering South African all-rounder Marco Jansen.

Major League Cricket, in its nascent stage, is set to kick off its second season amidst the sweltering heat of the USA's summer, starting on July 4.

In the previous season, the Freedom secured a commendable third-place finish in the table, accumulating six points with a net run rate of +0.097. They clinched victory in three out of five matches but suffered a setback in the Eliminator against MI New York, falling short by 16 runs and bowing out of the tournament, ultimately won by MI New York, who claimed the inaugural title.