Former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has been named the new head coach of Punjab Kings, signing a four-year contract ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Ponting, 49, succeeds Trevor Bayliss, who stepped down in July after Punjab finished ninth in the last IPL season.
Having spent seven seasons with Delhi Capitals, Ponting will now become Punjab’s third coach in four seasons. Punjab Kings have not made it to the IPL playoffs since 2014, when they finished as runners-up.
“We are thrilled to have Ricky on board to lead and build our team over the next four seasons. His vast experience will be key in developing a squad capable of delivering success on the field,” said Satish Menon, Chief Executive Officer of Punjab Kings.
Ponting expressed his enthusiasm for the new role: “I’m grateful to Punjab Kings for giving me this opportunity. I’m excited to take on this challenge. The conversations with the owners and management showed a strong alignment in our vision for the team. We are determined to repay our loyal fans with a much-improved Punjab Kings.”
Ponting’s association with IPL began in 2008 as a player for Kolkata Knight Riders, later joining Mumbai Indians in 2013, where he stepped down as captain mid-season. In 2018, he joined Delhi Capitals and led them to three consecutive playoff appearances from 2019 to 2021, including their first IPL final in 2020. In 2024, Ponting also coached Washington Freedom to victory in the Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States.
