Australian Test captain in-waiting Ricky Ponting has defied the wishes of the Tasmanian Cricket Association and won't turn out for the Tigers' Pura Cup clash with NSW on Friday at the SCG.

Earlier this week Ponting was named captain for the match but will instead be in Wollongong for the university graduation of wife Rianna.

It's understood Ponting refused a request to rush back to Sydney and play after the ceremony at nearby University of Wollongong.

Tasmanian Cricket Association chief executive David Johnston confirmed Ponting would not skipper the Tigers so he could attend Rianna's law graduation.

Ponting said he wished he could be in two places at once, but wanted to be with his wife at a milestone in her life - just as she had been there many times for him.

Ponting blew a kiss to his wife after reaching his double hundred in the second Test in Adelaide this week after requesting she stay in South Australia for another day.

"I have and always will love playing for Tasmania, but this is a special day for my wife, who has put her (law) studies on hold for me over the last couple of years," he said in a statement.

"I felt that I owed it to her to be there, particularly when she has been so supportive of me in my profession.

"These occasions don't come around every day and I, like the rest of the family, want to be there to share the moment."

Ponting is expected to attend the match at the weekend to assist the Tigers coaching staff.

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