Ricky Ponting Named Head Coach of Punjab Kings

Ricky Ponting is set to become the new head coach of the Punjab Kings for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, replacing Trevor Bayliss. Having parted ways with the Delhi Capitals after seven seasons, Ponting is reported to have signed a multi-year contract with the franchise, which has not won an IPL title since its inception in 2008. His immediate challenges will include appointing a new captain following Shikhar Dhawan's retirement and identifying players to retain for the upcoming season, as the Kings have struggled to reach the playoffs since 2014. The franchise is expected to make a formal announcement regarding Ponting's appointment soon. Under Ponting's previous coaching with the Delhi Capitals, the team reached the playoffs thrice and made its first final appearance in 2020. Ponting's experience in the IPL will be crucial as the Kings aim to improve their performance after finishing ninth in the last season.