Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting is going in to bat for his home state Tasmania as a new tourism ambassador.
He will join a government-led trade mission to India alongside representatives from Tasmania’s education, energy, tourism and hospitality sectors.
The 10-day long trip has already set off for Southeast Asia and Ponting will join up with the delegation in India to promote Tasmania’s culinary and travel experiences.
"Ponting will participate in just the trip to India where he will engage high-level business contacts, promote education initiatives with ties to Launceston, and promote the state’s high quality experiences, food and beverages," said State Premier Will Hodgman.
"Having Ricky Ponting in our team will be a distinct advantage given his already established connections. Ricky is also head coach of the IPL Mumbai Indians, which won the championship in 2015, so he has an enormous profile that will attract great interest in Tasmania and the trade mission."
"I feel very humbled to formally become an Ambassador for Tasmania and use my international contacts to help my home state. I am a very proud Tasmanian and want to do my bit to help grow our state in every way possible," Ponting said.
