Afghanistan have appointed Shane McDermott as assistant and fielding coach. The 45-year-old Australian is due to join the squad on August 1, only days before a five-match ODI series against Ireland. He will support head coach Richard Pybus, who took over earlier this year after Jonathan Trott left.
A fielding specialist
McDermott has plenty of experience in this field. He spent three years as assistant fielding coach with Bangladesh and then another three in the same role with Sri Lanka. Most recently he was Pakistan’s all-format fielding coach from July 2025 to July 2026, before leaving that post earlier this year.
Ireland series and a new ODI captain
The series with Ireland also marks a fresh phase for Afghanistan, as Rahmat Shah will captain the ODI side for the first time. The opening two matches are in Bready on August 5 and 7, and the last three are in Belfast on August 10, 12 and 15.
India visit on the horizon
After Ireland, Afghanistan are expected to host India for three T20Is in September. Reports indicate the matches could be played at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on September 13, 15 and 17, though no official schedule has been confirmed.
If it happens, the series would be a historic first, with Afghanistan acting as hosts to India on Indian soil. Afghanistan have used Greater Noida, Dehradun and Lucknow as adopted home venues in the past, but have never staged India at any of them.
