In a recent development, a former Australia cricketer turned down an extension offer from Delhi Capitals and instead opted to join compatriots Ricky Ponting in their new franchise Punjab Kings (PBKS).

Ponting, who served as DC head coach until last season, parted ways earlier this year and was roped in by PBKS as head coach ahead of the next season (IPL 2025). Along with Ponting, former Australian all-rounder James Hopes will now leave DC to be part of the Punjab-based team.

Notably, DC offered Hopes an extension after Ponting’s contract with the team was not renewed, but Hopes decided to work alongside his former captain.

Hopes’ appointment also signals the departure of Charl Langeveldt, the former South African pacer who worked as the team’s fast bowling coach under Trevor Bayliss in the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Langeveldt also previously served as the franchise’s bowling coach in the season 2020.

Ricky Ponting retains another Aussie in PBKS training set-up

Ponting has also decided to hire another Australian, Brad Haddin, who has worked as an assistant coach with the team for the past few years. Originally signed by former PBKS coach Trevor Bayliss, Haddin previously collaborated with Bayliss at Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). He will continue to oversee the franchise’s batting development and wicketkeeping.

Additionally, Ponting has opted to retain Sunil Joshi, former India spinner and chief selector. Joshi has been a part of the Punjab franchise for the last two seasons, focusing on spin bowling training.

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With the retention deadline approaching soon, one of Ponting’s main tasks will be finalizing the list of released and retained players, and reports suggest the franchise will once again enter the auction with the largest budget available.

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