Darren Berry declines Pakistan fielding coach's role

Back on June 15, 2016, Steve Rixon was appointed as the fielding coach of the Pakistan national team. However, he decided not to renew his contract after the same expired in June. In the meantime, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had been in talks with Darren Berry, the former Australian first-class cricketer, for the role of their next fielding coach.

He is currently working with the Islamabad United, the champion of this year’s Pakistan Super League (PSL). However, it has recently been learned that he has rejected the role of the national team’s fielding coach citing personal and professional reasons. The 48-year-old Victorian reckons that it will be too soon for him to take up a full-time international job.

I will continue to work with Islamabad United in the PSL 

“I’m extremely thankful for the opportunity presented by Micky Arthur and PCB. After healthy discussions between the PCB and myself, I have decided that at this point in time with a young family (Berry has three children) that full-time international travel was a bridge too far right now,” Berry was quoted as saying in ESPNcricinfo.

Nevertheless, he mentioned that he will continue his stint in the PSL. “I will continue to work with Islamabad United in the PSL and will keep an open mind in relation to international coaching opportunities in the future,” he added.

Berry was set to join the Pakistan team during their tour of Zimbabwe in July, but his joining was delayed owing to the delay of the PCB’s procedures. The same was then postponed to August 25 with his first assignment set to be in the upcoming Asia Cup in September.

Previously, he also let go of an opportunity in the Global T20 Canada. He will also retain his contract in the Bangladesh Premier League. Berry has an experience of 153 first-class and 89 List A matches from 1989 to 2004.

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