Warne wants Ricky Ponting to be banned from IPL 2019
Australian cricket legend Shane Warne feels that Ricky Ponting should not be allowed to coach in the Indian Premier League 2019 owing to conflict of interest. Notably, Punter has been recently appointed as the assistant coach of Australia. Warne pointed out that if the BCCI doesn't allow Indian national coaches in the IPL then why is Ponting's association with Delhi Capitals not being questioned.
In an interview, Warne said he is baffled by the BCCI and its rules. He pointed out, on one hand, the board doesn't allow coaches associated with the Indian national team to be involved in the IPL, but it is fine with Punter doing the same. Earlier this month, Ponting was appointed as a specialist batting coach of Australia for the World Cup campaign.
The IPL made changes in its rule back in 2015. Current Indian team head coach Ravi Shastri was forced to step down as a board member of the IPL Governing Council. This was because he was holding his position of Team India director back then. The rule states that members of Indian coaching staff are forbidden from the IPL because of conflict of interest.
Speaking to the Mumbai Mirror, Warne questioned if it is justified that the former Aussie skipper is allowed to coach in the league, but India's national team coaching staff can't. "But on the first point, (and) this is not for me to say, but if the BCCI decides Ravi Shastri cannot be part of the IPL, then I don't see how Ricky can be."
Australia will be looking to defend the World Cup trophy and win their sixth title. Ponting's recruitment is set to allow batting coach Graeme Hick to focus mainly on Australia's Ashes campaign, which starts after the World Cup. "This appointment also provides an opportunity for Graeme Hick to focus on preparation for the Ashes," said interim Team Performance Executive General Manager, Belinda Clark.
Ponting will be expected to join the Aussie camp later on in May. He is the head coach of Delhi Capitals in the IPL and will be with the franchise till their campaign gets over. Notably, Punter had earlier worked as an assistant coach of Australia's T20I team in 2017 and 2018. This is a much bigger role for the legend.
