The former Australian Cricketers Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer might be missing the opening test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy due to IPL 2025 Mega Auction in Jeddah.
Due to a clash of commitments, Australia may lose a vital backroom coach for the start of the five-match test series in a potential standoff with Indian cricket.
Ponting, Langer and Assistant Coach Dan Vettori will likely be in Saudi Arabia holding a paddle at the IPL mega auction in Jeddah. Ricky Ponting has been appointed as a Punjab Kings head coach on a four year contract while Justin Langer continues to be LSG head coach for IPL 2025.
A deal existing with Foxtel for AUD 1.5 billion highlights the cricket broadcasting landscape in Australia. But it might no suffice to retaine the duo for the entire test, as was evidenced last year when Ponting left early while Langer stayed until match concluded.
Vettori completed his duties with Australia before attending last year’s auction, held two days after the Perth Test finished.
The IPL team head coaches Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, Ponting and Langer is required to be at the year’s auction which is scheduled to be held on November 24 and 25.
The latest battle between club and country highlights India’s power and also the increasing popularity of domestic T20 leagues into international cricket.
Seven say that Ponting and Langer remain on their Perth coverage. But if the pair is required this year’s all important player auction and they will be missing atleast third and fourth days of the first test.
The head coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad is a trusted lieutenant of national boss Andrew McDonald since joining Australia’s set up.
No decision has been made on whether Vettori and CA would stay with the team the team through the entire Test or leave early for the auction.
There would be an added edge this summer if Australia were to lose Vettori so he can honour commitments for an Indian domestic T20 league while they were playing India. Australia have not won the Border Gavaskar Trophy glory in 10 years.
The five-match test series will kickstart on November 22 while the second test will be played on a day-night format under the stadium lights starting on December 06.
The third test will be played in the Gabba which will be held between December 14-18. The fourth test will be played between December 26-30 at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The fifth and final test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3-7 will give a promising dramatic conclusion for the exciting contest.
