Ishika Aggarwal
With the 18th season of the Indian Premier League round the corner, the team franchises are gearing up for yet another mega auction with the squad going under a major transition. Apart from the players, several team franchisees are considering a major revamp with on boarding new support staff and coaches.
Among all, Punjab Kings remains one franchise that has decided to retain most of their support staff. Previously, the Punjab Kings announced the veteran Australian captain Ricky Ponting as their new head coach after the former Australian captain parted ways with the Delhi Capitals.
As per the recent reports, Ponting who has recently signed a four-year contract with Punjab Kings has made a key note of retaining the Punjab Kings support staff with the Spin bowling coach Sunil Joshi, batting and fielding coach Brad Haddin continuing their tenure in IPL 2025.
James Hopes turns down Delhi Capitals offered to join Ricky Ponting in Punjab Kings: Reports
Previously, the former Australian all-rounder James Hopes was approached by the Delhi Capitals team franchise to take over the role of their new head coach with Ponting stepping down from the position.
However, Hopes has turned down the Delhi based franchise’s offer and has decided to join his skipper, Ricky Ponting in the Punjab Kings team.
“It’s learnt that the 46-year-old was offered an extension by Delhi Capitals after Ponting’s contract with the team was not renewed. However, Hopes, who represented his country in 84 ODIs and 12 T20Is, chose to continue working alongside his former captain Ponting,” a report by Cricbuzz stated.
Punjab Kings welcoming James Hopes in their coaching staff indicates the exit of South African cricketer Charl Langeveldt, who previously served as the team’s fast-bowling coach during the 2023 and 2024 seasons under the former head coach Trevor Bayliss. Langeveldt had earlier worked with PBKS as their bowling coach back in the IPL 2020 season.
