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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has opted not to extend Mohammad Masroor’s role as the national team’s fielding coach, bringing his tenure to an end just weeks before the Asia Cup 2025.
Masroor, who held the position on a series-to-series basis, confirmed his departure through a message on LinkedIn, thanking players, colleagues, and fans.
“Though my chapter with the team ends here, I’ll always be a part of Pakistan cricket’s story,” he wrote.
“I leave with no regrets, only pride,” he added.
The 49-year-old had been tasked with addressing Pakistan’s long-standing struggles in fielding, an area that has often proved costly in major tournaments.
Despite pockets of improvement, the team’s performance in key moments, including the ICC World Cup 2023, T20 World Cups, and the Asia Cup, continued to draw criticism.
Masroor, known for his work with Pakistan’s Under-19 side and domestic teams, was seen as a coach with modern techniques and a strong developmental record.
However, the PCB’s decision reflects its broader move to restructure the coaching setup ahead of a demanding international calendar.
As part of that restructuring, Australian coach Shane McDermott has been appointed as the new fielding coach. McDermott brings with him international experience from previous roles with Australia, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
In a related development, Grant Luden has returned as the team’s strength and conditioning coach, a role he has filled in the past and is familiar with the players’ fitness profile, as per media reports.
Pakistan’s preparation now shifts toward the Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to be held in India. With match-ups against India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and potentially Afghanistan, the tournament will serve as an early test of the revamped support staff’s effectiveness.
