James Hopes named Sydney Sixers BBL head coach on two-year deal
Synopsis
James Hopes, the Punjab Kings bowling coach and former Australian all-rounder, has landed his first head coach role at professional level with the Sydney Sixers on a two-year contract. The appointment replaces Greg Shipperd, who was sacked mid-contract despite leading Sixers to the BBL final in January — signalling the club's appetite for a fresh tactical direction.
Key Takeaways
James Hopes appointed Sydney Sixers head coach on a two-year contract , effective immediately.
This is Hopes' first professional head coach role after serving as bowling coach for Punjab Kings (IPL) and Washington Freedom (MLC) .
Hopes replaces Greg Shipperd , who was removed mid-contract despite guiding Sixers to the BBL final in January .
As a player, Hopes represented Australia in 84 ODIs and 12 T20Is and played for Queensland Bulls from 2000/01 to 2015/16 .
Sydney Thunder remain the only BBL club without a confirmed head coach after parting ways with Trevor Bayliss .
Sydney Sixers have appointed James Hopes as their new head coach on a two-year contract, the Big Bash League announced on Monday, 4 May. The appointment marks Hopes' first role as head coach at the professional level, following a career as an assistant coach across multiple elite franchises and international teams.
Hopes' coaching pedigree
The 47-year-old currently serves as bowling coach for Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Washington Freedom in Major League Cricket (MLC). Previously, he held similar roles with the Delhi Capitals (IPL), Brisbane Heat, Queensland Bulls, Hobart Hurricanes, and Tasmanian Tigers. His experience spans Australian domestic cricket and international franchise competitions across three continents.
Replacing Shipperd
Hopes succeeds Greg Shipperd, who was removed from the role midway through his two-year contract despite guiding the Sixers to the BBL final in January. The departure of Shipperd, a veteran coach, marked an unexpected end to his tenure despite the team's recent success.
Playing career and credentials
As a player, Hopes was a decorated Australian all-rounder who represented the Queensland Bulls from 2000/01 to 2015/16. He earned 84 ODI caps and 12 T20I appearances for Australia, bringing first-hand knowledge of elite cricket environments to his new coaching role.
Hopes on his appointment
"I'm incredibly honoured to join the Sydney Sixers, a club with a proud history and a strong identity built on consistency, competitiveness and connection with its fans. I'm excited to work with a talented playing group and contribute to the next phase of the Sixers' success in the BBL," Hopes said in a statement.
Club's perspective
Sydney Sixers General Manager Rachael Haynes praised the appointment, stating: "James is an exceptional cricket mind with a proven track record of developing players and building high-performing environments. His depth of experience across Australian domestic cricket and international franchise competitions makes him an outstanding fit for the Sixers. We're pleased to welcome him into the club as we enter an exciting new chapter."
BBL coaching landscape
The appointment leaves Sydney Thunder as the only BBL club without a confirmed head coach for the next season, after they parted ways with Trevor Bayliss following five seasons at the helm. The Thunder's search for a replacement is now a priority as the league prepares for the upcoming campaign.
Point of View
After years as an assistant, raises questions: can he manage the full-spectrum demands of franchise leadership, or will he lean heavily on batting and fielding specialists? Shipperd's sacking despite the BBL final suggests the club values a particular tactical philosophy over recent results — a risky bet if Hopes' IPL success doesn't translate to the shorter, fiercer BBL format.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is James Hopes and what is his cricket background?
James Hopes is a 47-year-old former Australian all-rounder who played 84 ODIs and 12 T20Is for Australia and represented Queensland Bulls from 2000/01 to 2015/16. He has since built a career as a specialist bowling coach across multiple elite franchises, including Punjab Kings (IPL), Washington Freedom (MLC), and Delhi Capitals.
Why was Greg Shipperd sacked as Sydney Sixers coach?
Greg Shipperd was removed from his role midway through his two-year contract despite leading the Sixers to the BBL final in January. The club did not publicly detail reasons, but the decision suggests a shift in tactical direction or strategic priorities.
Is this Hopes' first head coach appointment?
Yes, the Sydney Sixers role is Hopes' first professional head coach position. He has previously served as an assistant coach, specifically as a bowling specialist, across multiple teams in Australian domestic cricket and international franchise leagues.
Which BBL teams still need a head coach?
Sydney Thunder are the only BBL club without a confirmed head coach for the upcoming season after parting ways with Trevor Bayliss, who had been in the role for five seasons.
What makes Hopes a suitable fit for the Sixers?
Hopes brings a decorated playing career, extensive experience developing bowlers across elite franchises, and a proven track record in international T20 environments. His background in Australian domestic cricket and franchise competitions aligns with the Sixers' stated need for consistency and competitive excellence.
