Ricky Ponting announces plan to retire from all forms of cricket in October Ponting's decision is a blow to Cricket Australia, who had offered him a 'marketing contract' earlier this month and hoped he would play a major part in their lucrative Big Bash League. Ponting bows out of the game with a wealth of opportunities in front of him, including charity work, media prospects and some much-needed leisure time. "I'm so grateful for the opportunities that the game of cricket has given to me," he said. 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. 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. (Wife) 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. As for a potential future in coaching, Ponting added: "I got a taste for the off-field demands of coaching, mentoring and leadership at Mumbai. I'd like to do more of this in the future. Ponting is the second-highest Test runscorer of all time with 13,378 runs and 41 centuries in 168 caps.