New Delhi: Brad Haddin and James Hopes have left the Punjab Kings (PBKS) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 after bagging big roles in the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia.
Former Australia wicket-keeper batter Haddin was the fielding coach of the Punjab Kings, while Hopes was serving as the bowling coach.
The two former Australian cricketers were part of PBKS’ support staff under head coach Ricky Ponting. As per Cricbuzz, both Haddin and Hopes informed Punjab Kings management about their decision recently, and the franchise has started looking for their replacements ahead of the new season.
As per the report, both Haddin and Hopes have landed jobs in the Big Bash League. The Punjab Kings management has left the onus on head coach Ricky Ponting to finalise the new personnel after the duo’s departure. The new coaches are expected to be appointed before the IPL 2027 auction in December this year.
Hopes was part of the Delhi Capitals (DC) support staff during Ponting’s stint with the franchise and joined Punjab Kings’ coaching staff with the former Australian captain two seasons ago. Meanwhile, Haddin was already with PBKS and was retained by PBKS in his support staff.
PBKS also searching for a replacement for Sairaj Bahutule
Meanwhile, Punjab Kings are also searching for a replacement for spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule. Bahutule was part of the Punjab Kings coaching staff in IPL 2026, but he left the franchise after joining the Indian team under head coach Gautam Gambhir.
As per Cricbuzz, the Punjab Kings management is searching for replacements and will recommend a few names. However, head coach Ponting is expected to have the final say in appointing new personnel in his coaching staff ahead of IPL 2027.
Punjab Kings have been one of the most consistent teams in the IPL since Ponting took over the reins ahead of IPL 2025. Under skipper Shreyas Iyer, they dominated IPL 2025 and made it to the final, where they missed out on their maiden title after losing to Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Punjab Kings were once again one of the most dominant teams in the first half of IPL 2026, remaining unbeaten in their first seven matches. However, they managed only one win in their remaining seven matches to miss out on a spot in the playoffs.