In a major coaching reshuffle for the Punjab Kings, Australian stalwarts Brad Haddin and James Hopes have stepped down from their roles as fielding and fast-bowling coaches, respectively.
As reported by Cricbuzz, this marks a considerable change for the franchise as it prepares for the IPL 2027 season and its crucial player auctions.
Haddin, 48, and Hopes, 47, are set to focus on their new head coaching commitments within the Australian domestic circuit, with Haddin taking charge of New South Wales and Hopes leading Queensland’s men’s teams. Their exits leave a void in the Punjab Kings’ support staff, particularly impacting head coach Ricky Ponting, who had previously brought Hopes into the setup from the Delhi Capitals.
New Horizons in Australian Domestic Cricket
Brad Haddin, the decorated former Australian wicketkeeper, was appointed as the Head Coach of the New South Wales (NSW) Blues for the Sheffield Shield and One-Day Cup in March 2026, commencing his duties in June 2026. This move signifies a return to his roots for Haddin, who had a stellar playing career for NSW before transitioning into coaching roles with Australia, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Punjab Kings. Haddin, born on October 23, 1977, is currently 48 years old.
James Hopes, a former Australian all-rounder, took on the challenging dual role of Head Coach for the Queensland Bulls in the Sheffield Shield and the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League (BBL). His appointment was announced in June 2026, with Hopes commencing his new role in July 2026. Interestingly, Hopes had briefly accepted the head coach position for the Sydney Sixers in May 2026 before stepping down just 53 days later to join his home state of Queensland. Hopes, born on October 24, 1978, is currently 47 years old.
Impact on Punjab Kings
The departure of Haddin and Hopes presents a significant challenge for the Punjab Kings. Haddin served as the fielding coach, having initially joined the franchise in October 2022 as an assistant coach under Trevor Bayliss. James Hopes, who joined the Kings for the IPL 2025 season, was the fast-bowling coach.
Key Coaching Roles Departed
| Coach | Role at Punjab Kings | New Role (Australian Domestic) |
|---|---|---|
| Brad Haddin | Fielding Coach | NSW Blues Head Coach |
| James Hopes | Fast-Bowling Coach | Queensland Bulls & Brisbane Heat Head Coach |
Adding to the franchise’s concerns, spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule also resigned after the IPL 2026 season to join the Indian national team’s coaching staff. This leaves Punjab Kings with at least three crucial coaching vacancies to fill before the IPL 2027 auction, which is expected to take place in mid-December 2026. Head coach Ricky Ponting is expected to have the final say on the new appointments, initiating a comprehensive search for replacements to bolster the team’s support staff.
The Punjab Kings, who finished as runners-up in the IPL 2025 and also reached the final in 2014, but have consistently struggled to reach the playoffs in other recent seasons, will be under pressure to rebuild their coaching infrastructure rapidly. The incoming coaches will face the immediate task of integrating with Ponting’s vision and preparing the squad for the upcoming IPL season.