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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly completed the appointment of Shane McDermott, a well-regarded Australian fielding expert, as the fielding coach for the Pakistan men’s national cricket team across all formats. The move comes as part of a wider restructuring of the coaching setup aimed at raising performance standards, especially in the fielding department — an area that has plagued Pakistan in recent years.
McDermott, aged 44, was selected from a shortlist of finalists and is expected to join the squad ahead of the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh.
An Experienced Hand with a Global Track Record
Shane McDermott brings a wealth of experience from international and domestic cricket circuits. He holds a High Performance Level Three Coaching Certificate, and has worked with national teams in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Australia.
Between 2022 and 2023, McDermott served as Assistant Fielding Coach with Bangladesh’s national team, a role that built upon his earlier success as Senior Fielding Coach for Sri Lanka, where he also led the Sri Lanka A team program. His most recent stint saw him involved with Afghanistan’s national setup, further solidifying his credentials in South Asian conditions.
Back in Australia, McDermott worked for nearly seven years at Cricket Australia’s National Cricket Centre in Brisbane, where he held a variety of roles — including Interim Assistant Coach, National A Team Analyst, and Fielding Coach. His analytical approach and detail-oriented training style are widely respected in coaching circles.
Backed by Mike Hesson and Part of a New Coaching Vision
Sources suggest that Mike Hesson, Pakistan’s newly appointed white-ball head coach, played a key role in endorsing McDermott’s appointment. The two are believed to have collaborated during previous coaching assignments and share a common vision for player development and tactical discipline.
McDermott’s hiring aligns with the PCB’s broader coaching overhaul, aimed at enhancing the team’s consistency and discipline. The move to appoint specialist coaches across formats reflects a shift toward more professional, performance-driven standards.
Fielding Woes Targeted as Key Area of Reform
Pakistan’s fielding standards have long been a subject of criticism, often costing the team dearly in tight contests and major tournaments. Dropped catches, misfields, and sluggish ground fielding have repeatedly undermined otherwise strong performances in both white-ball and red-ball formats.
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With McDermott’s appointment, the PCB hopes to instill technical excellence and accountability in the fielding department. His arrival adds international expertise to a coaching team that now has a clearer mandate: improve execution, reduce unforced errors, and develop young players into well-rounded cricketers.
Busy Schedule Ahead: Bangladesh and West Indies Series on the Horizon
McDermott is expected to begin work immediately, with his first assignment coming in the form of a three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, scheduled in the coming weeks. Pakistan then travels to the Caribbean, where they are expected to play a five-match T20I series against the West Indies.
Given the tight calendar and growing emphasis on T20 World Cup preparation, McDermott’s contributions will be vital in fine-tuning fielding drills, improving reaction times, and cultivating fielding leaders within the squad.
Official Announcement Expected Soon
Although the PCB has not yet made a formal public statement, insiders have indicated that an official announcement is expected later this week. The hiring of Shane McDermott is likely to be bundled with other structural updates in the coaching staff, including new appointments and role definitions under the revamped setup.
