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Punjab Kings (PBKS) bowling coach James Hopes has surprised everyone with a stunning coaching switch in Australian cricket. Just weeks after accepting the head coach's role at the Sydney Sixers, the former Australia all-rounder has changed his plans and taken a dramatic U-turn.
James Hopes was named the Sydney Sixers' new head coach on May 4 before the upcoming editions of the Big Bash League (BBL), but before even leading the team in a single season, he changed his mind after getting a better opportunity from the Brisbane Heat club.
PBKS coach James Hopes shocks BBL with Sydney Sixers exit
On June 26, the Brisbane Heat announced Hopes as their new head coach. Apart from coaching the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League, the Aussie will also take charge of the Queensland Bulls in domestic cricket. For these dual roles, Hopes ditched the Sydney Sixers.
JUST IN: After signing as head coach of the @sixersbbl in May, James Hopes has taken up a role as head coach of both the @HeatBBL and Queensland Bulls. pic.twitter.com/Ul5VEwIQqW
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) June 26, 2026
On his shocking move, Hopes said that he is excited to return to his home state and thanked Cricket New South Wales for allowing him to leave his BBL contract with the Sydney Sixers. Amid the BBL shake-up, Marcus Stoinis hammered 5 sixes in an over in MLC 2026.
In an official Brisbane Heat statement, James Hopes stated, "I wrestled with this decision as I was, and still am, very appreciative of being offered the Sixers role earlier this year. However, to have the opportunity to take on the head coaching program with Queensland and live in Brisbane again was too good to miss.”
The PBKS coach added, “I have been in and out of Queensland Cricket since I was 14, and along the way was privileged to play for the Bulls and the Heat. So, to be a part of that again is something very special to me and my family. I’m very eager to join with the Queensland and Brisbane coaching staff and players when I am back and get to work preparing for the season.”
Queensland Cricket welcomes James Hopes back
Meanwhile, Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson welcomed Hopes on the board, saying the former all-rounder has been a key part of both the Queensland Bulls and Brisbane Heat as a player and has now earned the chance to lead them as head coach.
Terry Svenson stated: “James is the right person to guide and develop our players, especially the exciting young talent that Queensland Cricket is producing. He will bring clarity, professionalism, and maturity to our high-performance environment, and we are excited at what lies ahead for the Queensland Bulls and Brisbane Heat.”
James Hopes' outstanding career
James Hopes built a fantastic cricket career with his fighting spirit and hard work. During his 15 years with Queensland, he scored 5,078 first-class runs and took 296 wickets. The Queenslander also has 3800 runs and 228 wickets in 209 List-A matches along with 67 wickets and 1468 runs in 93 T20s to his name.
The former all-rounder played 96 white-ball matches for Australia, including 84 ODIs between the 2007 and 2011 World Cups. He has 1326 runs and 67 wickets to his name in ODI cricket. Hopes also played in the IPL for Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Daredevils.
Hopes then took up the coaching roles with Delhi Capitals and now is with Punjab Kings as bowling coach. He captained Queensland to one Sheffield Shield title and two one-day trophies before moving into coaching, most recently helping Hobart Hurricanes win the BBL title.
