Hobart (Tasmania, Australia), July 8 : Former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has signed for the Hobart Hurricanes for the new Twenty20 Big Bash League, while Tasmania’s captain George Bailey will appear for the Melbourne Stars.

Bailey will join Cameron White and David Hussey, besides other Bushrangers in the Melbourne Stars squad, reports the Daily Telegraph.

Tasmania-born Ponting has chosen to play for Hobart even though he lives in Sydney.

"I''ve always said whenever I can, I will be playing cricket for Tasmania," Ponting said.

"My heart and soul is into playing cricket for Tasmania and I will do it as often and as much I can. I''ve actually made some sacrifices to keep it that way. I haven''t been able to train with a state squad the last few years for the fact I feel uncomfortable going to train with NSW,” he added.

"We know we are going to be playing one game and hopefully two for me and the rest of the [Test] boys. To be completely honest I think it is disappointing," Ponting said.

"But, by the same token, you''ve got to understand the player''s position on these things. That''s the way the modern game is, blokes switching all over the place," he said.

Bailey said yesterday: "I''ve got a girlfriend who lives in Melbourne, which is a big thing for me to take into account." (ANI)