'The worst possible case' - Ricky Ponting upset with BCCI over collision of two major events

Ricky Ponting is miffed at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) ahead of the start of the first BGT Test match in Perth. The former Australian skipper, along with Justin Langer, is set to fly down to Jeddah for the upcoming two-day IPL 2025 mega auctions.  

Punjab Kings have appointed Ponting as their new head coach ahead of the new season. Justin Langer, meanwhile, will oversee the purchases for Lucknow Super Giants as their head coach. Over 550 players are set to go under the hammer with some huge players up for grabs during the IPL 2025 auction. 

UPDATE 🚨 PONTING WILL BE IN JEDDAH ✅️ . HE WILL COME DIRECTLY FROM PERTH TO JEDDAH AFTER DAY 1 OF THE PERTH TEST ✈️ #PBKS #IPL2025

— AARYAN (@AARYAN0791) November 20, 2024

Speaking to the media, 49-year-old Ricky Ponting said, “It’s the worst possible case scenario for me and ‘JL’. We for the last couple of months felt that it was probably going to be in the gap between the Test matches. It takes all the pressure off the players from both teams, there’s a lot of players in both teams in the auction.”

Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer set to miss commentary duties

The upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy is set to witness some huge names taking the commentary booth for the marquee series. Both Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer were set to part of the commentary duties for the Perth Test match. The game begins on the 22nd and the duo will leave the next day for the two-day event on the 24th and 25th of November. 

Speaking to the media, the former Australian skipper also said, “So I always thought it would’ve been in that gap because it just seemed better for everybody. But I don’t know why they’ve chosen the dates they have – it might have something to do with the game. The auction actually starts on air almost immediately after the end of play. So it might be something to do with broadcast."

Ponting added, “I’m calling the first day then flying out late Friday night to Jeddah. The Auction is the 24th and 25th and then depending on how we’re going through our auction, we’ll see when I can return. Hopefully I’ll get back for the end of Perth, and if not I’ll be back on deck for the start of Adelaide.”