Australian cricket news 2024: Ricky Ponting in demand for Major League Cricket coaching role
Australian great Ricky Ponting is being targeted for a new coaching role, while a BBL powerhouse could make a big switch. Read all the latest cricket transfer news in our Leg Buys column.
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Ricky Ponting has emerged as a prime target to be the new coach of Major League Cricket club Washington Freedom.
This column can reveal that Ponting, 49, has been in discussions with the American club to take over as coach of the side for the 2024 season, replacing his former Tasmanian state mentor Greg Shipperd.
US-based MLC is heading into its second season, having launched last year to considerable fanfare given the US has long been billed as an untapped market for cricket.
Top Aussies Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, Aaron Finch and Adam Zampa all played in the event last year, and it is likely even bigger-name Australians will play in the competition this year given it falls just after the conclusion of the Twenty20 World Cup, being held in the West Indies and US.
The Freedom, who was knocked out of the first MLC event in the eliminator final, has an alignment with Cricket NSW.
Veteran coach Shipperd, 67, led the Freedom in its first season. The former Tassie and Victorian coach has a longstanding affiliation with Cricket NSW, having been at the helm of the Big Bash League’s Sydney Sixers since 2015 and last year took over as coach of the men’s state team after the departure of former Test opener Phil Jaques.
All-time great Ponting is among the most sought-after off-field properties on the global short-form circuit. He coaches the Indian Premier League’s Delhi Capitals and remains the head of strategy with the BBL’s Hobart Hurricanes, who have missed the finals in both seasons since he took on the list management position.
Three of the six MLC teams share monikers with IPL clubs who have sought to expand their respective global footprints.
But while Indian investment has been crucial to the competition, Australian states have also got in on the act. In addition to the Freedom’s deal with CNSW, Cricket Victoria has an affiliation with the San Francisco Unicorns and Queensland Cricket announced in recent days that it was working with the Seattle Orcas.
MAX FACTOR
The BBL’s Melbourne Stars are looking to prise Brisbane Heat batter Max Bryant to the MCG for next season.
The powerful Bryant, 24, is out-of-contract following a season in which he was on the fringes of the Heat lineup.
With Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne unavailable for the finals, Bryant was part of the Heat side that claimed its first BBL crown in 11 years by beating the Sixers at the SCG last week.
The Stars re-signed Marcus Stoinis to a three-year deal before last week’s embargo period deadline despite the lure of a move home to Perth.
The club will be looking for a new captain next summer after Glenn Maxwell decided to stand down from the role after more than five years.
BBL QUERIES
BBL players have been surveyed by the Australian Cricketers’ Association in recent weeks for their views on issues related to the league.
The player union has asked players for feedback on topics including the league’s schedule, umpiring quality and the efficacy of the contentious overseas player draft, which has come into question after a host of players left their clubs ahead of this year’s finals series to play in the UAE’s ILT20 competition.
Umpiring was heavily in the news during the BBL season after Sixers all-rounder Tom Curran was suspended for four matches for intimidating an umpire before a game against the Hobart Hurricanes.
The BBL regular season was reduced to 10 matches per team this season, with Cricket Australia contemplating following suit with the Women’s Big Bash League amid an increasingly packed calendar for top female players.
KEY LEADER LOCKED AWAY AS CHIEF RECOMMITS TO RENEGADES
Set for an Australian debut in the coming days, Will Sutherland has recommitted to the Melbourne Renegades until the end of the 2026-27 Big Bash League season.
The all-rounder – called up to the Aussie one-day squad last week – was already contracted for next season but has signed a three-year extension that will extend his time at the club to beyond a decade.
“I couldn’t wait to put pen to paper again,” Sutherland, 24, said.
“While it didn’t happen for us last season, I’ve got great confidence in where we’re going as a club and I want to be part of it.”
Sutherland joins fellow Australian call-up Jake Fraser-McGurk in extending his contract with the Renegades, who are hunting the signature of Brisbane Heat blaster Josh Brown after a disappointing campaign.
“Will is a type of player we want to help lead our club for years to come and we’re thrilled to have him for four more seasons,” said Renegades general manager James Rosengarten.
“We’ve witnessed his impressive development as a player and leader first-hand and are continually impressed with the way he goes about his business.
“The playing group really look up to Will and he’s such a great club person.
“He’s such an integral part of what we’re building. Both Will and Jake are key pillars that will help take our club forward.”
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