Ricky Ponting has been announced the new head coach of the Punjab Kings for the 2025 IPL season. Ponting, who recently finished a seven-year tenure with the Delhi Capitals, left the team after guiding them to the playoffs three times. The former World Cup-winning captain had hinted last week about a new IPL opportunity, and now he will become the Punjab Kings’ sixth coach in eight years.
“I am grateful to Punjab Kings for presenting me with the opportunity to be the new Head Coach. I am excited to take up the new challenge,” Ponting said in a Punjab Kings release. “I had great conversations with the owners and the management about the way forward and was truly elated to see the alignment of our visions for the team. 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,” he added.
Ponting, who won the Major League Cricket (MLC) title with the Washington Freedom in July, told Sky Sports last week that he can’t commit to an international role at the moment due to his young family. He expressed his desire to continue coaching in franchise tournaments.
“I have finished up with the Delhi Capitals. But there might be a few opportunities coming up in IPL in the next few weeks, and we’ll see what happens,” Ponting said on September 10.
“We are delighted to have Ricky on to guide and build our team for the next 4 seasons. His experience is crucial to help us develop a squad to deliver on-field success. His insights from his international coaching stints and as a television pundit would be vital in identifying talent ahead of the mega auction this year. His ability to develop cricketing and leadership skills will play a crucial role in our success,” Satish Menon, Kings’ CEO said on Ponting’s appointment.
Virender Sehwag led the franchise in 2017, followed by Brad Hodge in 2018. Mike Hesson took over in 2019, and Anil Kumble held the role for a couple of years. Trevor Bayliss, previously with KKR and Sunrisers Hyderabad, was the coach for two years before parting ways with the franchise. The Kings have not reached the playoffs since their 2014 final appearance and will be hoping for stability with Ponting’s appointment.
Hence, Ponting’s appointment will be for the next four years. With the upcoming mega auction, the Kings will need to make key decisions on player retentions and releases.