Hopes and Haddin leave Punjab Kings coaching staff

James Hopes and Brad Haddin have left Punjab Kings’ coaching staff after the 2026 Indian Premier League season, with both taking head-coaching jobs in Australian cricket. Their departures, following Sairaj Bahutule’s exit, leave the franchise with three coaching positions to fill, according to reports. Hopes, identified in reports as Punjab Kings’ fast-bowling coach, has become head coach of Queensland and the Brisbane Heat. Haddin, the team’s fielding coach, has taken the head-coaching job with New South Wales. Their new roles were reported alongside their departures from the IPL club; neither the coaches nor Punjab Kings are quoted directly confirming the moves in the available accounts. Bahutule, who worked as Punjab Kings’ spin-bowling coach during IPL 2026, has also left and joined India’s men’s team in the same role. The three exits require the franchise to replace coaches responsible for fast bowling, fielding and spin bowling. One report said head coach Ricky Ponting would have the final say on replacements, following recommendations from team management, but that account was not independently confirmed.