“I Am Grateful..” : Ricky Ponting After Named As Head Coach For Punjab Kings

Ricky Ponting expressed his excitement on Wednesday after being officially named the new head coach of Punjab Kings, starting from the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

Ponting described the role as a “new challenge” and stated that he is eager to work with the team to achieve success. In a statement, Ponting thanked the Punjab Kings franchise for the opportunity and shared his alignment with the team’s owners regarding the vision for the future.

“I am grateful to Punjab Kings for giving me the opportunity to become the new head coach. I am excited to take on this new challenge,” said Ponting. “We all want to reward the loyal fans who have supported the franchise over the years, and we promise they will see a much-improved Punjab Kings.”

Punjab Kings, who finished ninth in the 2024 IPL season and have not made the playoffs since their runner-up finish in 2014, have high hopes for the future under Ponting’s leadership. His appointment makes him the third head coach in four seasons for the franchise, following Trevor Bayliss.

Punjab Kings CEO Satish Menon also praised Ponting’s appointment, emphasizing his vast coaching experience and leadership qualities. Menon said, “His vast experience is crucial in helping us develop a squad capable of delivering on-field success. His insights from international coaching stints and as a television pundit will be vital in identifying talent ahead of the upcoming mega auction.”

Ponting has an impressive IPL pedigree, having played for Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians, before coaching Mumbai and Delhi Capitals. He guided Delhi to their maiden IPL final in 2020 and led Washington Freedom to a title in the 2024 Major League Cricket season. He also serves as the head of strategy for the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League.