Former Australian all-rounder James Hopes has signed a deal as head coach of the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League ahead of the upcoming 2026-27 season. The club has signed the former cricketer as their coach for a two-year contract. This will be the first time Hopes will be with a team in a head coach's capacity.
Hopes, who represented Australia in 84 One-Day Internationals and 12 games in the shortest format, is slated to join the Sixers dugout for a couple of seasons. Hopes will be succeeding Greg Shipperd, the former Sixers' head coach, who was relinquished from the spot with a year remaining in his actual contract term.
“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.
Sydney Sixers general manager Rachael Haynes expressed excitement at the incoming of Hopes, adding that the latter boasts high cricketing intelligence. Haynes also mentioned the new coach's experience of working with T20 teams around the globe and in the domestic circuit and further is confident that Hopes can take Sixers to a title, which has eluded them for six years now.
“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,” Haynes said.
Hopes has a strong portfolio of various coaching stints, having represented Punjab Kings and Washington Freedom as bowling coach in the IPL and Major League Cricket, respectively. Furthermore, he has been an assistant coach with Delhi Capitals, Queensland Bulls and Tasmanian Tigers. In the BBL, he has worked with Brisbane Heat and Hobart Hurricanes. He will look to use his experience for a successful Sixers stint.
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