The Sydney Sixers have opted for a fresh direction ahead of the Big Bash League 2026-27 season, appointing a new leader to guide one of the competition’s most successful franchises. The decision comes at a crucial stage for the club as it prepares for multiple changes, including a new captain following Moises Henriques‘ retirement from Australian domestic cricket. With BBL|16 fast approaching, the Sixers are aiming to build on their strong foundations while positioning themselves as genuine title contenders once again.

Senior coach returns to lead Sydney Sixers’ team

Matthew Mott has been appointed as the Sydney Sixers’ men’s head coach on a two-year contract, taking over from James Hopes, who stepped down last month after accepting a dual coaching role with Queensland and the Brisbane Heat.

The 52-year-old is no stranger to the Sixers setup. He spent the previous two seasons working as an assistant coach with the men’s squad before taking charge of the women’s team in the WBBL, where he guided the side to the Challenger during his first season in charge. The franchise is expected to announce a new women’s head coach later this week.

Mott’s appointment adds another significant milestone to an already distinguished coaching career. He enjoyed tremendous success as Australia’s women’s head coach between 2015 and 2022, winning two ICC Women’s T20 World Cups, the 2022 Women’s ODI World Cup and four Women’s Ashes series. During his tenure, Australia also registered a record-breaking 26-match ODI winning streak.

He later moved to international men’s cricket, guiding England’s white-ball side from 2022 to 2024 and helping Jos Buttler’s team lift the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2022.

Speaking after his appointment, Mott said he was thrilled to continue his long association with the Sixers. He described the franchise as a club with a proud history and a winning culture, adding that he was excited to build on the strong platform already established. Having worked closely with the men’s squad, Mott believes the group possesses immense talent and potential heading into the new campaign.

Sixers general manager Rachael Haynes also welcomed the appointment, stating that Mott’s vast coaching experience and his deep understanding of the club made him the ideal choice to lead the men’s program into its next chapter.

Before becoming one of cricket’s most accomplished coaches, Mott played 66 first-class matches for Queensland and Victoria, scoring 3,723 runs. His coaching résumé also includes spells with New South Wales, Glamorgan, IPL franchises Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals, Major League Cricket outfit Seattle Orcas, while he is currently coaching Manchester Super Giants Women in The Hundred and serving as a T20 consultant with Lancashire.

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How Sydney Sixers are shaping up for BBL|16?

The Sixers appear well-equipped for another strong Big Bash campaign, boasting one of the most balanced squads in the tournament. Their batting unit is headlined by international stars Babar Azam and Steve Smith, whose experience and consistency provide enormous strength at the top of the order. The pace attack looks equally formidable, featuring Australia’s premier left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc alongside dependable white-ball specialists Sean Abbott and Ben Dwarshuis. Their ability to strike with the new ball and execute at the death gives the Sixers a powerful bowling core.

All-rounders Jack Edwards and Hayden Kerr offer valuable balance with both bat and ball, allowing Mott plenty of tactical flexibility while selecting his playing XI. In the spin department, Test off-spinner Todd Murphy and promising English leg-spinner Jafer Chohan are expected to control the middle overs and provide crucial breakthroughs.

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