Ricky Ponting Appointed Head Coach of Punjab Kings

Ricky Ponting has been appointed as the head coach of Punjab Kings (PBKS) for IPL 2025 following his exit from Delhi Capitals (DC), where he served for seven years. His departure was due to concerns over his availability, as DC sought a full-time head coach, a commitment Ponting could not make. This marks Ponting as the third head coach for PBKS in four seasons, as the team has struggled, finishing ninth in the 2024 season and not qualifying for the playoffs since 2014. One of his first responsibilities will be to identify players for retention ahead of the upcoming season. Ponting previously led Delhi Capitals to three consecutive playoff appearances from 2019 to 2021, including their first final in 2020, after which he guided the Washington Freedom to a title in Major League Cricket. He expressed disappointment over his exit but acknowledged the franchise's direction, emphasizing the positive environment he created at DC.