Legendary Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting has firmly distanced himself from the vacant position of England’s men’s white-ball coach following the departure of Matthew Mott.
Ricky Ponting declines England vacancy
In a recent interview with Sanjana Ganesan for The ICC Review, Ponting emphasized that international coaching roles are not suitable for him at this point in his life due to his numerous commitments.
Mott’s exit has left a prestigious vacancy in England Cricket, prompting speculation about potential successors, including Ponting. However, the former Australian captain has made it clear that he has no intention of stepping into the role. “No, I wouldn’t ever consider doing that actually,” Ponting stated when asked about the coaching position. “International jobs for me right now are not where my life is at because there’s just so much more time taken up with an international job.”
Ponting’s future in IPL coaching
Ponting, who previously declined an approach to coach England’s Test side before Brendon McCullum took over, cited his busy schedule as a significant factor in his decision. He mentioned his ongoing commitments to television commentary and the desire to spend more quality time with his family, which he has found challenging in recent years.
“I’ve got other commitments as well, with my TV work and things that I do and also trying to balance that out with having a decent amount of home time, which I haven’t had much of the last couple of years anyway,” he added.
Also READ: An additional pink-ball game for India on Australia tour; here’s the complete schedule
Looking ahead, Ponting hinted at a potential return to coaching in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he previously had a successful tenure with the Delhi Capitals (DC). His experience in the IPL could see him back in a coaching capacity, although he did not specify any immediate plans.
“I’d love to coach again in the IPL,” the Aussie veteran stated.
“I’ve had a great time every year that I’ve been involved, whether that was in the early days as a player or the couple of years I had at Mumbai as head coach there. And then I’ve had seven seasons at Delhi, which unfortunately didn’t really work out the way that I would have wanted and certainly the way that the franchise would have wanted. I think me going there was all about trying to bring some silverware to the team and that didn’t happen.”
Ponting added: “But I’m really thankful for my time that I had there, met some great people, worked with some great people and obviously worked with some great players through the years as well. So I wish them all the very best but as I said there could be a few opportunities for me popping up in the next couple of months and I’d love to be back coaching in the IPL again next season.”
As England prepares for their upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, starting August 21, the search for Mott’s successor continues. With Ponting out of the running, the focus will shift to other candidates as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) looks to fill this crucial role in their cricketing setup.
