James Hopes, Brad Haddin Leave Punjab Kings Coaching Staff

Punjab Kings (PBKS) have parted ways with fast-bowling coach James Hopes and fielding coach Brad Haddin, with both former Australia internationals moving on to new coaching assignments in Australian domestic cricket.

The departures were expected after Hopes was appointed head coach of Queensland and Brisbane Heat, while Haddin recently took charge of New South Wales as head coach.

The changes leave PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting with key vacancies to address within his support staff ahead of the next IPL season. The franchise has also lost spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule, who served in the role during IPL 2026 before joining the coaching setup of the India men's team.

Hopes spent two seasons with Punjab Kings and had previously worked alongside Ponting at Delhi Capitals. The former Australia allrounder has developed considerable coaching experience in domestic and franchise cricket and will now return to a prominent role in Australian cricket with Queensland and Brisbane Heat.

Haddin's association with PBKS was even longer. The former Australia wicketkeeper had been part of the franchise's coaching staff since 2022, initially joining during Trevor Bayliss' tenure as head coach.

His departure marks another significant change to the PBKS support structure as Ponting prepares to reshape his coaching team.

Both Hopes and Haddin are currently involved in Australia's Sheffield Shield competition. Queensland are taking on Western Australia in Perth, while New South Wales are facing Tasmania in Sydney.

With three members of the coaching staff now moving on, PBKS will have to make several key appointments as they begin preparations for the upcoming IPL campaign.