Ricky Ponting dismisses rumours of coaching Australia in the next ICC World T20

Ponting had earlier mentored the Mumbai Indians franchise in IPL.

Ricky Ponting | Getty

Australian batting legend Ricky Ponting has put all the speculations to rest concerning his coaching stint with the national side in the next edition of ICC World Twenty-20, saying that he would loved to be involved in the game in some capacity but nothing has been discussed with Cricket Australia yet.

Just a couple of days ago, a report in cricket.com.au had claimed that Ponting was in negotiations to coach Australia at the showpiece event, scheduled to be held in 2020 in Australia.  

"I've had discussions with Cricket Australia for a long time about getting involved somewhere in some way shape or form," Ponting said while commentating for Network Ten in a Big Bash match between Brisbane Heat and Melbourne Stars on Tuesday (January 2).

"I love coaching, I love being able to give a little bit back into the game. Obviously working and commentating on the Big Bash gives me an opportunity to see all the players and keep up with the tactics and the skills that are coming into the game now,” added the three-time World Cup winner.

Despite being in constant talks with Cricket Australia, Ponting denied that he had signed a deal to coach the national T20 side.

"I've been talking to them [Cricket Australia] and I'll continue to talk with them. I would like to get involved somewhere if it works out that way, but certainly nothing has been decided as yet,” Ricky stated.

"If everything does line up, there's a lot of things to think about. There's tournaments all over the world at different times, is it going to interfere with things I've already got locked in which I'm obviously enjoying," concluded the most successful Aussie captain.

For a brief period earlier this year, Ponting had joined the Australian coaching staff for the Sri Lanka T20 series at home. After retiring from international cricket 2012, Ponting has taken up the coaching job for Indian Premier League franchise Mumbai Indians. It was his visionary eyes that brought the exceptional talents like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya in the scene.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 03 Jan, 2018

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