Pakistan lose fielding coach McDermott ahead of key series

End of tenure

McDermott is stepping down from his role with the Pakistan men’s team. It’s a notable backroom change for Pakistan. McDermott had been working with the side on fielding standards and drills. The resignation comes amid Pakistan’s preparations for upcoming international fixtures.

McDermott has held several fielding-specific coaching positions in a number of countries, serving as assistant fielding coach in Bangladesh for three years and another three with Sri Lanka. His first series with Pakistan was their three match T20I series in Bangladesh in July 2025. He replaced Mohammad Masroor as Pakistan's fielding coach.

The golden period

Arthur + Steve Rixon worked really well together. Under them, Pakistan’s fielding standards improved markedly. The decline after 2018. That progress reversed quickly after Rixon left in 2018.Revolving door since
Pakistan have cycled through several fielding coaches: Grant Bradburn replaced Rixon Aftab Khan, Abdul Majeed, Masroor have all held the role at different points in the last 5 years. Shane McDermott was the latest, and has now quit.

While Pakistan's fielding has never quite hit the heights it managed under Rixon, McDermott's time did see a renewed focus placed on the department, particularly in the form of higher-intensity drills during training and practice sessions. The PCB has not yet appointed a replacement with Pakistan's Test side due to leave for the West Indies for a tour game and a two-match series later this week.