sydney sixers Have chosen a new direction ahead Big Bash League 2026-27 season, appointing a new leader to guide one of the competition’s most successful franchises. The decision comes at a crucial stage for the club as it prepares to make a number of changes, including a new captain moises henriques‘Retirement from Australian domestic cricket. With BBL|16 fast approaching, the Sixers are aiming to build on their strong foundation while once again establishing themselves as genuine title contenders.
Senior coach returns to lead Sydney Sixers team
Matthew Mott has been appointed as the Sydney Sixers men’s head coach on a two-year contract James HopesWho stepped down last month after accepting a dual coaching role with Queensland and Brisbane Heat.
The 52-year-old is no stranger to the Sixers setup. She spent the last two seasons working as an assistant coach with the men’s team before taking charge of the women’s team in the WBBL, where she guided the team to challenger form during her first season in charge. The franchise is expected to announce a new women’s head coach later this week.
Mott’s appointment adds another significant milestone to an already distinguished coaching career. She enjoyed tremendous success as the head coach of the Australia women’s team between 2015 and 2022, winning two ICC Women’s T20 World Cups, the 2022 Women’s ODI World Cup and four Women’s Ashes series. During his tenure, Australia also recorded a record-breaking 26-match ODI winning streak.
He later moved to international men’s cricket, guiding the England white-ball team from 2022 to 2024 and helping Jos Buttler’s team win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2022.
Speaking after his appointment, Mott said he was thrilled to continue his long association with the Sixers. He described the franchise as a club with a proud history and a winning culture and said he was excited to build on the strong platform already established. Having worked closely with the men’s team, Mott believes the group has immense talent and potential for the new campaign.
Sixers general manager Rachel Haynes also welcomed the appointment, saying Mott’s vast coaching experience and his deep understanding of the club make him the ideal choice to lead the men’s program into its next chapter.
Before becoming one of cricket’s most accomplished coaches, Mott played 66 first-class matches for Queensland and Victoria, scoring 3,723 runs. His coaching resume also includes stints with New South Wales, Glamorgan, IPL franchises Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals, Major League Cricket outfit Seattle Orcas, while he is currently coaching Manchester Super Giants Women in The Hundred and working as a T20 consultant with Lancashire.
Also read: BBL|16: Cricket Australia reveals full schedule for Big Bash League 2026-27
How are Sydney Sixers preparing for BBL|16?
The Sixers appear well-equipped for another strong Big Bash campaign, being one of the most balanced teams in the tournament. Their batting unit is headlined by international stars Babar Azam And steve smithWhose experience and consistency provide tremendous strength in the top order. The pace attack looks equally strong with Australia’s premier left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc With trusted white ball experts sean abbott And ben dwarshuis. His ability to strike with the new ball and bowl in the death overs gives the Sixers a powerful bowling corps.
all rounder jack edwards And hayden kerr Provides valuable balance with both bat and ball, giving Mott considerable tactical flexibility when selecting his playing eleven. In the spin department, test of spinners todd murphy And promising English leg spinner Zafar Chauhan He is expected to control the middle overs and provide important breakthroughs.
Also read: Sydney Thunder appoint new head coach ahead of BBL 2026-27