Sydney Sixers Get New Boss in James Hopes

Current Coaching Situation at Sixers Greg Shipperd was coach: He was Sixers coach for 11 seasons, winning dual titles. He signed a 2-year extension recently."New era" talk: Cricket.com.au noted Sixers were "set to enter BBL|16 with a new coach after it was announced that dual title-winner Greg Shipperd was leaving the club after eleven seasons". So there is a coaching change coming. BBL experience: Knows the league from coaching Brisbane Heat. Bowling pedigree: As ex-bowling coach, he’d help a Sixers attack with Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Todd Murphy. Relationship factor: Greg Shipperd was Victorian coach when John Hastings was there – Hastings said "he's almost been like a father to me". Hopes brings similar Queensland pedigree. The Sixers role will be Hopes' first as a head coach, but he has a long resume of experience as a bowling coach in the IPL, BBL and MLC as well as working with Queensland and most recently Tasmania in Australia's domestic system. Hopes played all his BBL cricket with Brisbane Heat across the first six seasons of the BBL but was excited to join Sixers as head coach. "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." Need batting firepower: Entering a "new era eyeing batting firepower". Leadership questions: Moises Henriques is yet to re-sign, sitting out with back surgery. Recent form: Lost opening two games of BBL 2025-26 before beating Thunder. Finished top 2 but "fell short with the bat" in Perth. Bottom line: If Sixers have appointed Hopes, it marks the end of the 11-year Shipperd era. Hopes brings recent IPL + BBL coaching experience and a bowling focus to a team looking for a fresh start and more "firepower". "James is an exceptional cricket mind with a proven track record of developing players and building high‑performing environments," Haynes said. "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."