Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting is set to take on the role of coach for the Washington Freedom in the USA's Major League Cricket (MLC), marking him as the most notable figure to be linked with the tournament so far.
The second edition of the MLC is set to commence in early July, just days after the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the USA.
"We're not there yet. I haven't committed to anything just yet, but I've had some initial discussions (with Washington)," Ponting told SEN.
"The time of the year sort of fits in okay for me, but I've got a really hectic off-season again. When I say off-season, there's no such thing as an off-season for cricketers anymore," he said.
Ponting is gearing up to coach the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the sixth consecutive season in 2024. Additionally, he is slated to provide commentary during the T20 World Cup for Channel 7. As a result, the former Australia captain is currently considering his options before fully committing to his role in the MLC.
"It's potentially another big year of time away if I want it, so there are things I've got to work through," Ponting said.
"If I'm actually going to be commentating the T20 World Cup or not and if I'm not doing that, where does MLC fit in," he added.
“I’ve been able to help around the Australian team on a couple of tours when Justin Langer was coach. The game is in my blood and I love working with the best players in the world and trying to find a way to make them a bit better. All in the hope that we can win some games along the way,” concluded the legendary cricketer.
The former Australia captain ended by expressing that cricket was ingrained in his essence, and he was perpetually prepared to help cricketers become the finest versions of themselves.
Under the leadership of Sydney Sixers coach Greg Shipperd, Washington secured third place in the inaugural MLC standings before being eliminated by eventual champions MI New York in the playoffs.
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