Overview
- James Hopes resigned from the Sydney Sixers and signed a three-year deal with Queensland Cricket on June 26, 2026.
- The appointment puts Hopes in charge of Queensland's men's teams across the Sheffield Shield, the One-Day Cup and the Big Bash League with the Brisbane Heat.
- The Sixers said they were disappointed by Hopes' decision and have reopened their search for a head coach, while Queensland CEO Terry Svenson publicly welcomed the hire.
- Hopes is a former Queensland captain with over 5,000 first-class runs and nearly 300 wickets and has recent coaching experience with Washington Freedom, the Hobart Hurricanes and in the IPL.
- Queensland views the move as a long-term way to centralise coaching and player pathways, and the late timing creates short-term disruption for the Sixers as clubs prepare for the coming domestic seasons.