Ricky Ponting Eyes Coaching Role as Cricket Returns to 2028 Olympics

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting expresses his interest in potentially mentoring or coaching the Australian cricket team at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Cricket, returning to the Olympics after 128 years, promises to capture global attention and provide a significant opportunity for the sport's growth.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has conveyed his enthusiasm about the possibility of mentoring or coaching the Australian cricket team at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Cricket is set to make its much-anticipated return to the Olympics, 128 years after its last appearance in the 1900 Games.

The LA28 Organising Committee has included cricket among five additional sports proposed for the 2028 Games, alongside baseball-softball, flag football, lacrosse, and squash. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed cricket's inclusion during its 141st session held in Mumbai in October 2023. Top cricketing nations will compete for Olympic glory in their debut at the event.

When asked about his potential role with the Australian team, Ponting expressed his excitement. "It'd be a pretty nice job, I reckon, to be a mentor around a cricket team in the Olympic Games. I wouldn't say no. There'll be a lot of people interested, including me," Ponting said in the ICC Review. Ponting highlighted the surreal experience of being around athletes in the Commonwealth Games and hopes to be part of the Olympic journey.

Ponting also shared his thoughts on cricket's inclusion in the Olympics, emphasizing the global exposure and growth opportunities it presents. "It can only be a positive thing for our game. Getting cricket back into the Olympics has been a priority for years, and it's finally happening. The US will hopefully see significant growth in cricket, and the Olympic Games will attract a vast audience," he stated.

He noted that the event could help cricket break into grassroots levels in the US and highlighted the importance of facilities and infrastructure. Ponting mentioned the potential challenges of team qualifications, with only six or seven teams likely to compete. "Qualification will be at a premium," he added, underscoring the competitive nature of the selection process. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)