It is a homecoming for Ricky Ponting, as the former Australian captain has been appointed as the new Head of Strategy by Hobart Hurricanes.
Tasmania-based Franchise Hobart Hurricanes are yet to win their maiden BBL title. Hence the veteran is roped in to push the team to their first success in the Big Bash League.
Ponting has been handed a three-year contract. His role at the club would be to look after the team’s management, appointments, and culture.
The team is currently without a head coach, as Adam Griffith resigned from his position right after the 2021-2022 season ended.
So, the first task for Ponting would be to appoint a new head coach. Although, Ponting won’t be looking into the team’s daily affairs and would continue to work as a cricket commentator.
It is his second management role, as he is also associated with Delhi Capitals in IPL. Delighted by his appointment, he said, “I’m passionate about the progression of Tasmanian and Australian cricket across all forms of the game, so to take up a critical role for the Hurricanes is special. I’m looking forward to working and securing the best coach for what we need and then building a plan for the team to execute next season. With a few tweaks in a couple of key areas, I believe the Hurricanes have the foundations to win their first BBL trophy.”
Ponting served as a Hurricanes player for two seasons back in their inaugural days. Speaking about how much the game has changed since then, he added, “The competition and the game have changed enormously from when I played for the Hurricanes back in BBL 01 and BBL 02, and I now know so much more about the nuances of the T20 game now than I did then.”