Brad Haddin, James Hopes for PBKS | PC- X/@_theyellowstandIn a major development, Punjab Kings (PBKS) have been hit with a massive blow ahead of the IPL 2027 auctions. The franchise's fielding coach, Brad Haddin, and fast-bowling coach, James Hopes, have parted ways with the team. Notably, these two coaches are not the only coaches who won't be part of the Ricky Ponting-led coaching staff from next season. Sairaj Bahutule, who was with PBKS as spin bowling coach, has left to be with the Indian national team.Brad Haddin, James Hopes resign as PBKS coaches ahead of IPL 2027According to Cricbuzz, the former Australian cricketers, Brad Haddin and James Hopes, have resigned from their positions at PBKS quite recently, with the franchise already started looking for their replacements."Brad Haddin, who was the fielding coach of the side, has exited along with fellow Australian James Hopes, who was the team’s fast-bowling coach," the report stated. "Sources say the two informed the Punjab Kings management only recently, and the franchise has started looking for replacements," it added. ALSO READPunjab Kings Member Joins Team IndiaIt has been understood that the former Australian Punjab coaches have left their lucrative IPL coaching contracts to serve in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL 2026/27) in some capacity. "Both are believed to have landed jobs in the Big Bash League," the report said. Will Ricky Ponting, Shreyas Iyer continue PBKS’ upward trajectory in IPL 2027?Brad Haddin and James Hopes' resignation may be a big blow to the Punjab franchise and their head coach, Ricky Ponting, who shares a great rapport with the duo. However, coaching changes are new to PBKS, which are well known for switching their coaches and captains after every season. That said, PBKS’ old habit of overdoing the chopping and choosing finally ended two years back, when Ponting joined the Kings. The legendary Aussie captain formed a brilliant backroom staff, along with Shreyas Iyer. As a result, PBKS played their first IPL final in 11 years in 2025. They played an extraordinary brand of cricket in the first half of IPL 2026, but saw a serious dip in the latter half and missed the playoff spot by a whisker. It would be interesting to see how things unfold at PBKS with Ponting sharing the dressing room with the newly appointed Indian T20I captain, Shreyas Iyer. Nevertheless, the IPL 2027 mini-auctions will be held in Goa in mid-December, although the PBKS franchise will need to make minimal changes to its squad.ALSO READPSL 2027 Start Date Confirmed; Direct Clash With IPL Sealed
