New Delhi: Punjab Kings on Thursday parted ways with fast bowling coach James Hopes and fielding coach Brad Haddin. The departures were expected as Hopes has been appointed head coach of Queensland and the Brisbane Heat in Australia’s domestic cricket structure, while Haddin has taken charge of the New South Wales men’s team.
“Thank you for the wisdom, the passion and the memories in the den,” PBKS posted on their official X handle accompanied by the picture of the Australians.
As per reports, they had informed the franchise about their decision to move on and focus on the respective assignment in Australia.
Hopes had joined Punjab Kings along with head coach Ricky Ponting from Delhi Capitals a couple of seasons ago, while Haddin was retained after Ponting took over from the previous coaching regime ahead of IPL 2026.
The duo played important roles in the team’s transformation under Ponting and captain Shreyas Iyer, including their strong run in the 2025 season.
Their exits come shortly after spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule also left Punjab Kings to take up the same position with the Indian men’s team, leaving Ponting’s support staff with at least three vacancies to fill before the next IPL season.
Punjab Kings had made an impressive start to IPL 2026, winning their opening six matches and spending nearly a month at the top of the points table, but their campaign faltered in the second half and they failed to make the playoffs.
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