Veteran cricket mentor Greg Shipperd has voiced his profound disappointment following his abrupt dismissal from coaching positions with both the NSW Blues and the Sydney Sixers franchise. This surprising decision comes despite Shipperd recently guiding the Sixers to the Big Bash League final in January, where they faced off against the dominant Perth Scorchers.
A Decade of Service Ends Unexpectedly
After an impressive tenure spanning eleven seasons, Cricket NSW has opted to terminate Shipperd's contract, which was originally set to run through to the conclusion of the 2026/27 season. During his 145-match leadership of the Sydney Sixers, the team secured two championship titles and only failed to reach the finals on two occasions.
The Sydney Sixers stand as the second-most successful franchise in Big Bash history with three total titles, trailing only the Perth Scorchers who have claimed six championships. Shipperd's departure also means he will vacate his role as head coach of the NSW men's team, despite the Blues remaining in contention for both Sheffield Shield and one-day cup finals when those competitions resume.
Shipperd's Emotional Response
In an official statement released on Saturday, the respected coach expressed his gratitude and regret regarding the unexpected development. "Cricket NSW is such a historical and beautiful beast and it has been an honour and privilege to coach the NSW Blues and Sydney Sixers for such a period," Shipperd remarked.
He went on to describe the organization as comprising "folk from the country to the city and of all dimensions - sports lovers, builders of community, a vehicle for good." Shipperd highlighted the promising future of the programs, noting that ten NSW-contracted players (excluding five Test players) are currently engaged in Australian and Australian A duties, with domestic finals still within reach.
The 69-year-old coach made clear his disappointment, stating: "My contract was to conclude at the end of the 2026/27 season and so I'm incredibly disappointed that I will not have the opportunity to honour my commitment and continue to develop the wonderful young players I have been working with."
Turning Around a Program in Crisis
Shipperd originally assumed the NSW coaching role in November 2022 when the program was facing significant challenges following a record-breaking winless streak. His appointment was seen as a stabilizing force during a difficult period for the state's cricket program.
Cricket NSW's Perspective
Cricket NSW chief executive Lee Germon acknowledged Shipperd's contributions while explaining the organization's decision. "Greg Shipperd's leadership has had a positive impact on the NSW Blues and Sydney Sixers throughout his association with Cricket NSW," Germon stated.
He continued: "Decisions to change key personnel are never easy, but we felt it was time to move in a new direction to give the Blues and Sixers the best chance to win titles." The organization will now commence searching for Shipperd's replacements, though it remains uncertain whether the same individual will coach both teams or if separate appointments will be made.
A Distinguished Coaching Career
Shipperd's coaching journey at the state level began back in 1991 with Tasmania, followed by a lengthy and successful stint leading Victoria for over a decade. He served as the foundation coach of the Melbourne Stars when the Big Bash League launched, before transitioning to his role with the Sydney Sixers in 2015.
Throughout his extensive career, Shipperd has established himself as one of Australian cricket's most respected and experienced mentors, having guided multiple teams through various competitive cycles and development phases.
