PCB Drops Fielding Coach Masroor Ahead of Asia Cup

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has opted not to extend the contract of fielding coach Mohammad Masroor, marking another shift in Pakistan’s cricket backroom setup ahead of key upcoming tours, including the Asia Cup. Masroor’s contract, which was on a series-to-series basis, was not renewed as part of the PCB’s ongoing efforts to revamp the national team's coaching staff.

Masroor, who earned respect for his work with Pakistan’s U-19 and domestic teams, was recently working with the senior national team in hopes of addressing one of Pakistan’s longstanding weaknesses—fielding. Despite his efforts, fielding failures have persisted, often leading to match-turning blunders in major tournaments such as the ICC World Cups and Asia Cups.

In his place, Australian coach Shane McDermott has been appointed as Pakistan’s new fielding coach. McDermott brings with him international experience, having worked with teams like Australia, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. The PCB is hopeful that McDermott can bring the much-needed consistency and professional edge to Pakistan’s fielding unit, especially ahead of the Asia Cup in India, where sharp fielding will be critical due to fast outfields.

In another key appointment, Grant Luden has returned as the Strength and Conditioning Coach. Luden’s previous stint with the national team and familiarity with the players’ fitness requirements are expected to boost Pakistan’s physical readiness for upcoming tournaments.

Both McDermott and Luden have already been added to the team’s coaching WhatsApp group for smooth coordination ahead of the Asia Cup.

Meanwhile, former fast bowler Umar Gul has been appointed as head coach of Pakistan Shaheens (A team), with the aim of nurturing young players and strengthening Pakistan’s future cricket pipeline.

Masroor’s exit leaves questions about continuity and stability in Pakistan’s coaching setup, especially with the Asia Cup just weeks away. The PCB faces pressure to ensure that the new coaching appointments deliver results, particularly in high-pressure games against rivals like India and Sri Lanka.