Shane McDermott to Join Pakistan Cricket Team as Fielding Coach
McDermott's appointment is part of the PCB's broader efforts to revamp the coaching setup, with a focus on bringing in international experience and expertise to improve the team's performance in upcoming matches, including the Asia Cup 2025 and two Test series.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to appoint Australian coach Shane McDermott as the new fielding coach for the national team, replacing Mohammad Masroor who stepped down from his role just weeks before the Asia Cup 2025.
McDermott brings extensive experience in coaching, having worked with teams such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Cricket Australia. He previously served as Assistant Fielding Coach for Bangladesh and fielding coach for Sri Lanka, making him a suitable candidate for the role. The PCB's decision to appoint McDermott reflects its efforts to restructure the coaching setup ahead of a demanding international calendar, which includes a series against Bangladesh and the Asia Cup 2025.
The Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to be held in the UAE, will see Pakistan face off against teams such as India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and potentially Afghanistan. The revamped support staff, including McDermott, will play a crucial role in preparing the team for these matches. Meanwhile, former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood has been appointed as acting red-ball head coach until April 2026, with Pakistan scheduled to play two Test series during this period.
The PCB's move to appoint foreign coaches, including McDermott and potentially Grant Luden for the strength and conditioning coaching position, highlights its commitment to bringing in international expertise to improve the team's performance. With the Asia Cup 2025 just around the corner, the team's preparation and coaching setup will be crucial in determining their success in the tournament.