Punjab Kings (PBKS) bowling coach James Hopes has surprised everyone with a surprise coaching change in Australian cricket. Just weeks after accepting the role of head coach at Sydney Sixers, the former Australia all-rounder has changed his plans and made a dramatic U-turn.
James Hopes was named the new head coach of the Sydney Sixers on 4 May ahead of the upcoming editions of the Big Bash League (BBL), but before leading the team for one season, he changed his mind after receiving a better opportunity from the Brisbane Heat club.
PBKS coach James Hopes shocks BBL with Sydney Sixers exit
On 26 June, the Brisbane Heat announced Hopes as their new head coach. Apart from coaching Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League, the Australian will also take charge of the Queensland Bulls in domestic cricket. To pursue these dual roles, Hopes left the Sydney Sixers.
JUST IN: After signing as head coach of the @sixersbbl in May, James Hopes has taken on the role as head coach of both the @HeatBBL and the Queensland Bulls. pic.twitter.com/Ul5VEwIQqW
– KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) June 26, 2026
On his shock move, Hopes said he was 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.
In an official statement from Brisbane Heat, James Hopes said, “I struggled with this decision as I was and still am very grateful to have been offered the Sixers role earlier this year. However, it was great to have the opportunity to participate in the head coaching program with Queensland and live in Brisbane again.”
The PBKS coach said, “I have been in and out of Queensland cricket since I was 14 years old and during that time I have had the privilege of playing for the Bulls and Heat. So, to be a part of it again is very special for me and my family. I am very much looking forward to connecting with the Queensland and Brisbane coaching staff and players when I return and working to prepare for the season.”
Queensland Cricket welcomes back James Hopes
Meanwhile, Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Swenson welcomed Hopes on board, saying the former all-rounder has been an important part of both the Queensland Bulls and Brisbane Heat as a player and now he gets the chance to lead the way as head coach.
Terry Swenson said: “James is the right person to guide and develop our players, especially the exciting young talent being developed by Queensland Cricket. He will bring clarity, professionalism and maturity to our high-performance environment, and we are excited about what lies ahead for the Queensland Bulls and Brisbane Heat.”
James Hopes made a brilliant 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 has 3800 runs and 228 wickets in 209 List-A matches as well as 67 wickets and 1468 runs in 93 T20s.
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 in his name in ODI cricket. Hopes also played for Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Daredevils in the IPL.
Hopes then took up a coaching role with Delhi Capitals and is now the bowling coach with Punjab Kings. Before turning to coaching he captained Queensland to a Sheffield Shield title and two one-day trophies, most recently helping the Hobart Hurricanes win the BBL title.