Ricky Ponting will return to the Hobart Hurricanes in an off-field role, being named the club’s head of strategy for the next three years
According to a club statement, Ponting’s role will see him identify candidates for the now-vacant head coaching position on the men’s team, and work on match and list strategy with whomever is hired as the new coach.
The 47-year-old played one match in the inaugural season of the competition, and seven more in the second, before retiring.
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“The competition and the game itself have changed enormously from when I played for the Hurricanes,” Ponting said.
“I know so much more about the nuances of the T20 game now than I did then.”
His tenure with the club is effective immediately, as they look to replace Adam Griffith, who resigned in January.
The Hurricanes made the final of the 2017-18 competition and finished first on the ladder the following year, only to be bundled out in the semi-finals.
The three years since have resulted in two losses in the opening finals match, and one campaign where they missed the play-offs entirely.
“I’m passionate about the progression of Tasmanian and Australian cricket across all forms of the game, so to be asked to take on such a critical role for the Hurricanes is really special,” Ponting said.
“I’m looking forward to getting to work and securing the best coach for what we need then building a plan for the team to execute next season.”
Hobart is one of two teams to have never won the title, along with the Melbourne Stars – but Ponting hopes to change that.
“With a few tweaks in a couple of key areas, I believe the Hurricanes have the foundations to win our first BBL trophy.”
Cricket Tasmania CEO Dominic Baker joked that Ponting only said yes to get him off his back.
“To be honest, I think Ricky probably just said ‘yes’ as he was sick of me hassling him to come and join us,” he said.
“But really, it is such a win for not only the Hurricanes and Tasmanian cricket, but for the league itself.
“In my mind, Ricky is undoubtedly the best T20 strategist in the world, and as a proud Tasmanian, we are thrilled to have him overseeing the direction of Tasmania’s team for at least the next three seasons.”