Shane McDermott Joins Afghanistan Coaching Staff Ahead of Ireland ODIs
Former Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Shane McDermott has been named Afghanistan’s new assistant and fielding coach, bolstering the team’s coaching staff ahead of a heavy international schedule.
The 45-year-old will formally join Afghanistan’s camp on August 1, just days before the team opens its five-match ODI series against Ireland. McDermott will collaborate with head coach Richard Pybus, who took up the position earlier this year after succeeding Jonathan Trott.
McDermott has an impressive coaching resume, especially in the fielding area.
He previously worked as Bangladesh’s assistant fielding coach for three years before taking on a similar role in Sri Lanka for another three years.
His most recent duty was with Pakistan, where he served as the all-format fielding coach from July 2025 until July 2026. His departure from Pakistan earlier this year surprised many, but he has already taken on a new task with Afghanistan.
Afghanistan’s tour of Ireland will also mark a new chapter for the squad, with Rahmat Shah taking the ODI captaincy for the first time.
The five-match series will begin in Bready, with the first two ODIs set for August 5 and 7. The final three matches will be contested in Belfast on August 10, 12, and 15.
Afghanistan is set to host India in Delhi.
Following the Ireland series, Afghanistan is slated to host India in a three-match Twenty20 International series in September.
According to sources, the matches would take place at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium on September 13, 15, and 17, however formal confirmation has yet to be received.
The series is anticipated to make history, since it will be the first time Afghanistan hosts India on Indian soil. Afghanistan has previously played their home matches in Greater Noida, Dehradun, and Lucknow, but they have never hosted India at one of their adopted home sites.
