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Ponting, who played 560 times for Australia between 1995 and 2012 and now works as a television pundit, is also head coach of Major League Cricket franchise Washington Freedom. Washington won the MLC earlier this year in Ponting’s first season in charge.<\/p>\n
At Delhi, he reached the play-off stages three times as head coach but failed to do so in any of the past three season.<\/p>\n
Punjab have been led by former England coach Trevor Bayliss in the past two seasons and finished ninth out of 10 franchises this year.<\/p>\n
No reference to Bayliss’ future was made in the announcement of Ponting’s appointment.<\/p>\n
England players Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Chris Woakes and Jonny Bairstow were part of Punjab this year, although there is a ‘mega auction’ before the 2025 season that gives franchises a greater opportunity to refresh their squads.<\/p>\n
Punjab chief executive Satish Menon said: “We are delighted to have Ricky to guide and build our team for the next four seasons. <\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n