Ricky Ponting to coach Washington Freedom in MLC

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has been appointed head coach of Washington Freedom ahead of the second season of the Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States.

He will take over from Sydney Sixers coach and his longtime mentor Greg Shipperd, who led Freedom to a third-place finish in the inaugural season, reports espncricinfo.

"I'm extremely excited to be joining the Washington Freedom in 2024," Ponting said in a statement. "Cricket is really on the rise in the US and I'm looking forward to being involved in Major League Cricket. I've been impressed by everyone involved at Washington Freedom, and, while it's a bit surreal to be replacing my mate Greg Shipperd, there's probably no one better to set up a successful franchise. I'm ready to build on his work as we look towards the coming season."

Shipperd stepped down to focus on Cricket New South Wales Blues and the Sixers in Australia's domestic circuit.

Ponting is currently the head coach of Delhi Capitals in the IPL, and has previously filled roles in cricket's short form with the Mumbai Indians and the Australian men's team. He will be coaching the Washington DC based MLC side for the next two years._Agencies.