Shane McDermott named Afghanistan assistant and fielding coach

Shane McDermott has been appointed as Afghanistan’s assistant and fielding coach. He will link up with the team on August 1, ahead of their five-match ODI series against Ireland.

The appointment was announced on July 29, 2026. The role places McDermott within Afghanistan’s coaching structure with a start date set for the first day of August, immediately before the team begins its scheduled five-match one-day international programme versus Ireland.

McDermott’s arrival is timed to coincide with the squad’s preparations for the Ireland series. The designation as assistant and fielding coach indicates his remit will include working with players on fielding standards while supporting the wider coaching staff during the tour. He is due to join the group in the days leading up to the opening fixture.

Afghanistan will enter the five-match ODI series against Ireland following McDermott’s integration into the backroom team. The coach’s presence from August 1 is intended to provide continuity for the players as they finalise preparations. Team sessions and match-ready drills are expected to be part of the immediate agenda once he links up with the squad.

With McDermott on board, Afghanistan’s immediate focus will be the set of five one-day internationals against Ireland. He will link up with the team on August 1, ahead of their five-match ODI series against Ireland.

The short-term timeline is clear: McDermott joins on August 1 and will be present for the entirety of the five-match ODI series against Ireland. His appointment formalises the coaching complement ahead of the bilateral schedule.