Ponting, who bowed out of international cricket last December as Australia’s most capped player ever, said it was the right time to step away after so many years at the top, but did not rule out a future career in coaching.
For now, though, he’s looking forward to spending time with his family and enjoying life away from the crease.
“While I’m enjoying my cricket as much as ever, it just feels like the right time to finish playing,” said the Tasmanian. “My body and mind are in great shape and I know I’m going to really enjoy these last few months before the next stage of life begins.”
Family matters: Ricky with his two daughters and wife Rianna.
“I’ll be able to spend more time with family and friends, play a lot more golf and see more of North Melbourne footy games,” he added
“Rianna and I will continue to build the work of the Ponting Foundation and, with more time on my hands, I’m intending on spending more time with children with cancer and their families.”
Coaching could then become an option, as could a move into the commentary box: “I’m considering a couple of options in the cricket media and I’m very fortunate to have a wonderful group of commercial partners that I will be continuing to work with,” he said.
As for coaching? “I got a taste for the off-field demands of coaching, mentoring and leadership at Mumbai (2013 IPL). I’d like to do more of this in the future,” he said.
Ponting scored more than 13,000 runs in both Tests and one-day internationals and is considered one of the greatest batsmen of the modern era.
Only Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar has more runs in Test cricket history than the Tazmanian, who remains the only man ever to score two centuries on his 100th Test appearance.
Despite enjoying a glittering career on the international stage, Ponting expressed his great pride at winning the Sheffield Shield in domestic cricket this year.
“To win the Sheffield Shield with Tasmania in my last game in Australia, played at Blundstone Arena, will forever be a memory close to my heart,” Ponting said. “It’s one of a lifetime of memories that will become even more special to me in retirement.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunities that the game of cricket has given to me.”
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