James Hopes leaves Sydney Sixers to become Queensland head coach

Former Australia all-rounder James Hopes has been appointed as the new head coach of Queensland’s men’s team and Big Bash League (BBL) franchise Brisbane Heat. Queensland Cricket offered Hopes the role after former Australia captain Tim Paine withdrew from the recruitment process at the final stage. The appointment comes just two months after Hopes was named head coach of the Sydney Sixers.

The 47-year-old represented Australia in 84 One-Day Internationals and 12 Twenty20 Internationals. He also scored more than 5,000 first-class runs and claimed nearly 300 wickets during his domestic career. Hopes replaces Johan Botha, who resigned from the Queensland role earlier this month.

Speaking about his new appointment, Hopes admitted that changing his decision so soon after accepting the Sydney Sixers job was difficult. However, he said the opportunity to return to Brisbane and take charge of Queensland was simply too good to turn down.

“This was not an easy decision,” Hopes said. “I am still very grateful to the Sixers for offering me the role earlier this year. But the opportunity to become Queensland’s head coach and move back to Brisbane was something that was very special for me and my family.”

Reflecting on his long association with Queensland Cricket, Hopes said, “I have been involved with Queensland Cricket since I was 14 years old. I had the privilege of playing for both the Bulls and the Heat, so becoming part of that family again is a wonderful feeling for me and my family.”

While expressing disappointment over Hopes’ departure, the Sydney Sixers said in a statement that they respected his decision and would now move forward with the process of appointing a new head coach.

During his playing career, Hopes became Queensland’s 49th captain. Under his leadership, the team won the Sheffield Shield title in 2012 and claimed back-to-back domestic one-day championships in the 2012–13 and 2013–14 seasons.