MUMBAI: Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting is set to return to the IPL in 2025, this time as the Punjab Kings head coach. The Punjab Kings are yet to win an IPL title since the inception of the high-profile T20 league in 2008. Ponting has replaced fellow Aussie and former England head coach Trevor Bayliss, who was the franchise’s head coach for the past two IPL seasons, during which the Mohali-based side failed to go to the playoffs.
Its learnt that the Australian legend, who was the Delhi Capitals for the past seven years since joining the franchise in 2018, and the Mumbai Indians before that, was in talks with three IPL teams, before finalising a deal with the Mohali-based side. Speaking on Ponting's appointment as the franchise's head coach, Satish Menon, CEO of Punjab Kings said in a media release, "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. "
