“There are particular international locations I feel around the globe that may afford to most likely do this for a sequence right here and there. However there are quite a lot of international locations that may’t afford to do it. South Africa should not taking part in quite a lot of Check cricket the subsequent couple of years, and so they’d be one of many international locations I’d be most nervous about so far as their Check cricket is worried, particularly after what I noticed right here final summer time.
“To attempt to develop the sport there after they’re not taking part in a lot [Test cricket] goes to be tough. The flipside of that’s what we noticed with the West Indies in Brisbane in that final Check. Hopefully that has the reverse impact the place one efficiency or one Check match can really reinvigorate the best way the Check match sport is checked out within the Caribbean.”
Nonetheless arguably the largest title in Australian cricket, Ponting’s signature for Main League Cricket on a two-year deal is akin to Shane Warne’s recruitment by the Melbourne Stars within the early days of Huge Bash League, including on the spot credibility and star energy to the franchise league because it enters its second season.
The likes of Steve Smith and Travis Head have been talked about as attainable signings for the Freedom, for an occasion that may comply with carefully on the heels of the T20 World Cup to be performed within the USA and the Caribbean in June.
Since his retirement, Ponting has held a spread of teaching roles within the IPL, and has served as overseer of the Hobart Hurricanes BBL program, alongside commentary duties. He additionally consulted as a coach and mentor for the Australian males’s staff on numerous events, most not too long ago through the 2019 ODI World Cup.
Loading
“My job now, with the relationships I’ve had with a few of these guys, hopefully these relationships and the suitable sum of money is sufficient to convey them to the Freedom,” Ponting stated.
“I feel there’s big potential, big development prospects within the US, even with the IPL possession mannequin the best way it’s in the intervening time, I simply assume it’s bought potential to change into big and I need to be part of that journey alongside the best way.”
Cricket NSW took up a high-performance partnership position with the Freedom final 12 months, an alliance that provides a helpful business upside for the state affiliation whereas additionally holding it clued into the rapidly-growing realm of franchise leagues.
Cricket Victoria has an analogous tie-in with the San Francisco Unicorns, whereas different groups have Indian Premier League hyperlinks – together with to Ponting’s Delhi Capitals.
“After I was first approached, the very first thing I did was really get on the cellphone to Delhi and see if that they had any concern with it,” Ponting stated. “They’re a small shareholder in one of many different groups, however they have been superb. That they had no concern with me in any respect, which is nice.”
Information, outcomes and professional evaluation from the weekend of sport despatched each Monday. Join our Sport publication.