WCL 2026: Ricky Ponting buys Australia Champions, David Warner to lead franchise in season 3

The World Championship of Legends (WCL) unveiled a new era for Australia Champions at an exclusive “Australia Champions: A New Era” media press conference held at Eureka 89 in Melbourne, with Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting joining the franchise as an owner, while explosive opener David Warner was announced as the new captain of Australia Champions for WCL Season 3.

The landmark press conference took place on Tuesday, 8th September 2026, at Eureka 89, bringing together some of the biggest names from Australian cricket and the World Championship of Legends.

Ponting’s arrival added one of the most iconic figures in Australian cricket to the Australia Champions ownership group alongside Puneet Singh, as the franchise unveiled a powerful new identity ahead of WCL Season 3.

Warner, meanwhile, was announced as the latest marquee addition to the Australia Champions squad and will lead the team into the third season of the World Championship of Legends.

The new-look Australia Champions comes at a time when WCL Season 3 is promising to be the biggest edition yet, with more legendary names, intense rivalries and entertainment lined up for fans across the world.

“I’m excited to be part of Australia Champions and the World Championship of Legends. With Puneet and the team, and David leading from the front, we have a great opportunity to build something special for Australian cricket fans,” Ponting said.

“This is a very exciting new chapter for Australia Champions. Having Ricky join us and David take on the captaincy gives us incredible experience, leadership and firepower. We’re ready to build something truly special,” Puneet Singh, co-owner of the franchise, stated.

“I’m really excited to lead Australia Champions in WCL Season 3. There’s nothing better than getting back out there, playing alongside some greats of the game and giving the fans plenty to cheer about,” Warner expressed.

“Australia Champions entering this new era with Ricky, Puneet and David is a huge moment for WCL. Season 3 is shaping up to be our biggest yet, and this is just the beginning,” Harshit Tomar, Founder & CEO, World Championship of Legends, said.

The Melbourne press conference brought together Ricky Ponting, Puneet Singh, David Warner, and other players and members of the Australia Champions and WCL family for an exclusive media interaction and a series of announcements ahead of Season 3.

The press conference, led by Australia Champions owner Puneet Singh, marked a significant moment for the franchise as Ricky Ponting formally joined the ownership group and David Warner took on the responsibility of leading Australia Champions as captain for WCL Season 3.

The event marked the beginning of a new chapter for Australia Champions, bringing together Australian cricket’s legendary legacy with a new generation of energy, leadership and ambition.