IPL 2025: Former Delhi Capitals Head Coach Ricky Ponting Joins Punjab Kings

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Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has completed a return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) within months of his resignation as head coach of Delhi Capitals. The 49-year-old has signed a multi-year deal with the Punjab Kings ahead of IPL 2025.

The PBKS teased the appointment of Ponting via their social media account with a cryptic post of a collage of images - an ODI World Cup trophy, a Kookaburra bat, springs and bars denoting pull, which all indicated the announcement was close. They later confirmed the appointment of Ponting at 4:00 PM IST on Wednesday, September 18.

Speaking on the appointment, Satish Menon CEO of the Kings said, "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. "

Expressing his delight at joining Punjab Kings, Ponting said, "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. 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."

Earlier a report from CricBuzz revealed that the former DC coach has been in talks and may be close to reaching an agreement with the the Punjab Kings to take over the head coach role ahead of the IPL 2025.

Meanwhile, ESPNCricinfo had stated that Ponting has signed a multi-year contract with Punjab and will take the final call on the rest of the coaching staff. The report further added that there is no clarity on who all from the 2024 season coaching staff have been retained.

Last season PBKS' support staff included, Trevor Bayliss (head coach), Sanjay Bangar (head of cricket development), Charl Langveldt (fast-bowling coach), Sunil Joshi (spin-bowling coach).

Ponting will become the third head coach in four seasons for Punjab Kings, who have failed to win a title in their 17 seasons of competing in the Indian Premier League. PBKS finished a disappointing ninth in IPL 2024.

Earlier this year, Ponting had quit the Delhi Capitals after serving seven years at the franchise. The former Australian skipper, who reportedly had offers from several other teams including national teams, will now replace another Aussie in Bayliss at the Punjab-based side.

Since joining DC in 2018, Ponting oversaw the team reach the Playoffs in 2019, 2020 and 2021. In 2020, Delhi Capitals had reached their first-ever IPL final. Now, the former multiple World Cup-winning Australian captain will have the task of guiding PBKS to glory.

Ponting will initially be left with the responsibility of preparing for the retentions ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Punjab Kings will need a new captain after Shikhar Dhawan recently announced his retirement.