NEW DELHI, Sept 18, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting was named as the head coach of Punjab Kings on Wednesday for the next four seasons of the money-spinning Indian Premier League tournament.

The announcement was made some two months after Ponting and Delhi Capitals parted ways, ending his seven-year stint at the franchise.

"We are delighted to have Ricky on to guide and build our team for the next four seasons," Punjab Kings CEO Satish Menon said in a statement.

"His ability to develop cricketing and leadership skills will play a crucial role in our success."

Batting legend Ponting, 49, will be the third head coach in four seasons at Kings, who finished a dismal ninth this season and are yet to win the title.

They have not qualified for the IPL playoffs since 2014, when they finished runners-up.

Ponting said he was excited to take up the new challenge.

"We all want to repay the fans who have stayed with the franchise over the years, and we promise that they will see a much different Punjab Kings going forward", he said.

Ponting guided the Washington Freedom to the title in the US-based Major League Cricket this year.

He has also been head of strategy for Australia's Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League since 2021.

Ponting scored 13,378 Test runs from 168 games during his playing career. He also made 13,704 runs from 375 one-day international matches.