The Punjab Kings, an Indian Premier League team, have announced the appointment of Ricky Ponting, the former Australian cricket superstar, as their head coach. Ponting has signed a four-year contract, which will commence in the 2025 season. This move comes after Ponting’s coaching stints with IPL teams Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals.

During his time with Delhi Capitals, Ponting led the team to three consecutive playoff appearances from 2019 to 2021. However, the team’s performance declined in the following years, finishing fifth in 2022, ninth in 2023, and sixth in the most recent season, leading to the decision to part ways with Ponting.

Ponting had previously coached Mumbai Indians to an IPL title in 2015, having won the trophy as a player with the team in 2013. Expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to coach the Punjab Kings, Ponting stated, “We all want to repay the fans who have stayed with the franchise over the years and we promise that they will see a much different Punjab Kings going forward.”

Despite never having won the IPL title, the Punjab Kings were runners-up in 2014. Apart from his new role with Punjab Kings, Ponting also serves as the head coach of the Major League Cricket team Washington Freedom, which secured the MLC title in July under his guidance during his inaugural season.