Ricky Ponting appointed as the Head of Strategy for Hobart Hurricanes

Former Australian captain and star-batter Ricky Ponting has been roped in as Hobart Hurricane's Head of Strategy as the team is gearing up to pursue their first Big Bash League (BBL) title. With the addition of an experienced campaigner to the coaching bench, the team is on the right track for the upcoming edition. 

As the contract suggests, Ponting will be a part of the team for the subsequent three editions. He is currently the Head Coach of Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and he is also part of the commentary panel during the Australian summer games, including some BBL games. 

Ponting's role mainly revolves around the team's coaching appointments, strategy, list management, and culture. These factors would be pivotal in the team's goal to win their first BBL title after reaching the final stage in the previous edition. 

So, the first task for the veteran Aussie batter is to appoint a Head Coach for the team, as the previous edition's coach, Adam Griffith, had handed over his resignation.

As per some reports, Justin Langer, the former Australian Men's Team coach, who also happens to be Ricky Ponting's close aid, can be linked with the Hobart Hurricanes' coaching department, but there is no official announcement as of now.

"The competition and the game itself have changed enormously from when I played for the Hurricanes back in BBL 01 and BBL 02, and I now know so much more about the nuances of the T20 game now than I did then," said Ponting.

Ponting also mentioned his aim and readiness to take the team to their first BBL title. He stated, "I'm passionate about the progression of Tasmanian and Australian cricket across all forms of the game, so to be asked to take on such a critical role for the Hurricanes is special. I'm looking forward to getting to work and securing the best coach for what we need, then building a plan for the team to execute next season. With a few tweaks in a couple of key areas, I believe the Hurricanes have the foundations to win our first BBL trophy."

"To be honest, I think Ricky probably just said 'yes' as he was sick of me hassling him to come and join us," Baker said. "But really, it is such a win for not only the Hurricanes and Tasmanian cricket, but for the League itself. In my mind, Ricky is undoubtedly the best T20 strategist in the world, as a proud Tasmanian, we are thrilled to have him overseeing the direction of Tasmania's team for at least the next three seasons," stated Dominic Baker, the CEO of the Cricket Tasmania.

Though he will be involved in the crucial decision-making processes of the team, it wouldn't be a day-to-day role with the team. He would still stick with his commentary commitments for the upcoming edition.