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Sydney Sixers Name James Hopes Head Coach on Two-Year Deal

The two-year hire signals a reset after Greg Shipperd's long tenure to end a six-season title drought.

Overview

  • Hopes' appointment, announced Monday, puts the former Australia all-rounder in charge ahead of the 2026–27 Big Bash League season.
  • He signs for two years to replace Greg Shipperd, who was removed earlier this year with a season left on his extension.
  • This is Hopes' first full-time head coach role, with exits from bowling coach posts at IPL's Punjab Kings and MLC's Washington Freedom to follow.
  • General manager Rachael Haynes backed the move, pointing to his player development record and experience across domestic and franchise T20 teams.
  • Shipperd's 11-year stint delivered eight straight finals and titles in 2019–20 and 2020–21, yet the Sixers have not lifted the trophy in six seasons.