James Hopes and Brad Haddin leave Punjab Kings coaching staff; Franchise yet to confirm

New Delhi: Punjab Kings fast-bowling coach James Hopes and fielding coach Brad Haddin have reportedly left their positions for opportunities in Australia but the IPL team is yet to formally confirm their departure.

Both informed the Punjab Kings management of their decisions recently, according to reports.

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, stated the reports.


Read more: Punjab Kings' $1 billion+ valuation reflects IPL's commercial power: Mohit Burman

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.

The duo played important roles in the team's transformation under Ponting and captain Shreyas Iyer, including their strong run in the 2025 season.

Read more: We take little things out of each other's books: Connolly on PBKS' success

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.