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Sydney Sixers have turned to former Australia all-rounder James Hopes to steer their men’s Big Bash League (BBL) side, handing the 47-year-old his first head-coach post on a contract that runs until the end of the 2027-28 summer.
The basics first. Hopes replaces Greg Shipperd, who was let go in February despite guiding the side to last season’s final. The decision surprised plenty inside Australian cricket and, for now, the Sixers insist it was about “fresh ideas” rather than results. Either way, Hopes is in and Shipperd is out.
The new man arrives with a hefty coaching CV even if he’s yet to lead a squad outright. He has spent recent seasons as bowling coach at Punjab Kings in the IPL, worked similar roles with Brisbane Heat, Hobart Hurricanes and more recently in Major League Cricket in the United States. Before that came 84 ODIs, 12 T20Is and 16 years with Queensland, where he captained the Bulls to Shield and domestic one-day titles.
“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,” he said. “I’m excited to work with a talented playing group and contribute to the next phase of the Sixers’ success in the BBL.”
General manager Rachael Haynes highlighted Hopes’ grounding in the franchise circuit. “James is an exceptional cricket mind with a proven track record of developing players and building high-performing environments,” Haynes noted. “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.”
There is, of course, a wider coaching shuffle under way. Brad Haddin, also on the Punjab Kings staff, has already taken charge of New South Wales’ Sheffield Shield and one-day sides. Across town, Thunder remain the only BBL outfit still hunting a coach after parting with Trevor Bayliss. Meanwhile, Melbourne Renegades’ women will be looking for a new voice too, with Simon Helmot reportedly bound for a gig overseas.
For Hopes, the short-term brief is simple enough: keep the Sixers in the play-off mix, something they have managed in nine of the past ten campaigns. Achieving that, though, will involve typical BBL juggling— overseas signings, the men’s tour calendar and the usual December wickets at the SCG. It’s a big task, but those who watched him bowl stump-to-stump for years will tell you he’s rarely shied away from hard work.
