Pakistan players speak about Woolmer
Kingston - After bowing out of the World Cup, Pakistan headed back to the team hotel in Kingston to pay their own personal tribute to coach Bob Woolmer.
Each player took it in turn to stand at a small lectern, packed with media microphones balanced precariously over each other, and say a few words about their coach and father figure.
It was explained beforehand that they would be speaking in whichever language they chose. They mostly chose English, and all spoke eloquently and poignantly, without notes...
The players were seated along the left, facing into the lectern, and a bank of photographers were allowed to station themselves opposite, while we, the media, filled the remaining seats facing forward.
It seemed a little unfair to subject the players to such public scrutiny at this emotional time, particularly having cameras zooming in on their grief, but I guess the worldwide interest warranted such a move.
My heart went out to young wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal, who after telling the assembled media he would miss Bob “for the rest of my life,” returned to his seat and broke down in tears.
Mushtaq Ahmed was assistant coach to Bob, and gave the most moving tribute of all.
“He was a great man and he was a lovely friend. He was a part of our body. He was our heart. The heart is the most important part of the body. We lost our heart.”
He talked about what a humble man Bob was, how he used to forgive people so easily. Mushie finished by simply saying, “we have lost one of our family members. When you lose a family member, there is no replacement for that.”
It was optional for the players and management to attend the evening. The only player missing was Shahid Afridi.
Ireland coach Adrian Birrell, and manager Roy Torrens also spoke. Burrell knew Bob from South Africa, and spoke of his legacy in coaching: “I don’t think there’s another coach in the history of coaching that’s done more for cricket than Bob Woolmer.”
He added that everyone will remember him “for the coaching he’s done, for what he stood for in life, and how many people he moved.”
He also praised the courage of the Pakistan team for fulfilling their last World Cup fixture against Zimbabwe, a match that marked Inzamam-ul-Haq’s last game as captain, and his last one-day International.
I will remember it for Inzamam’s emotional exit from the field. His team-mates streamed onto the outfield to form a guard of honour and all the strain of the preceding days finally caught up with him.
Inzi, such a stoical colossus of a figure, could no longer keep his emotions in check and the tears came pouring out.
Inzi gave me a few words of English after the game, and the tension of the circumstances broke a little when I asked him about the guard of honour.
He afforded a self-conscious smile, saying it took him by surprise. He thanked the boys, but said today’s game was all about dedicating it to Bob.
what a truly fantastic article by Alison Mitchell! She brought out the emotions in me. Wonderfully written and fantastic journalism. Her article is what the media is SUPPOSED to be about.
Thank you Alison.
Complain about this postI am extremely proud of my Pakistani team to come out and contribute in their own way in dedicating a last win to Bob-a great coach and an exceptional human being. I believe that the players had become extremely attached to Bob in the last few years and it will take them a long long while to establish the same closeness with the next coach-still I believe that no one will be able to fill the void left by Bob. May God bless Bob's soul with eternal peace and may God als bless my team. Very very sad days.
Complain about this postI would say, inzi is one of the greatest pressure abosorbing player of all time, in the games he played with pressure like its nothing, where many of us would be shaking our pants off. Not only that, he was a great leader and lead from the front, also he was the gel, you could say, in the pakistani team. Reading from this artical i can clearly see how much love the team had for this foreign coach, whome they accepted and also acknowleged him as their own. I hope he died of natural causes not by unnatural death. Thanks inzi and bob.
Complain about this postBob was like a gem of a person once u have a person of his kind and calibber obvisouly no one can forget him for the rest of his life.He is obviuosly very kind hearted person as we have seen and I hitnk one can judge his as a nice person.I believe the whole nation is sad on his tragic demise.I wish him peace and good future for his rest of the family.I was literly crying when i have rec.this news though i'm not a part of our team but really wants our team to play good cricket in future and forget every thing what has happened in westindies and come up with new strength.Good Luck for Pakistan Cricket
Complain about this postGood people are hard to find . Bob Woolmer was certainly a good person and always came across as humble. A lesson many in the world can learn. God bless his soul.
Complain about this postI love my Pakistani team irrespective of win or loss. The whole Pakistani nation love you BOB you were the greatest coach Pakistan ever had.
Complain about this postI was angry when pakistani team lost to Ireland and i was sad when BOB died. And i was more upset when Inzimam announced retirement. I remember, i was 13 - 14 years old and i just started understanding cricket and then came Inzimam and the 1992 world cup. I admired Inzi batting, since he was introduced in the team.
For me, i have sported Inzi whole my life and whole his carrear, and i just want to say, INZI, i am gonna miss u. Bob, was a good coach and as revelaed by the players, a very good human being. He died because he thought, what he had done for Pakistani cricket, hasnt resulted in the way, he did hardwork for. But may his soul rest in peace. And may Pakistan team find another player like INZI.
Complain about this postAlison,
Thank for sharing this with us. Tears welled up in my eyes after reading your post.
May God Bless you and guide you to what is best.
Complain about this postA setback like the one suffered by the pakistani team is not easy to take. On the same day, India (my team) were also loosing, and the mood in general was not so good. I have always been fond of the pakistani cricket, and am a big fan of a lot of thier players. With Bob Woolmer's death the next day, things are put into perspective as this is just a game, and we, as a emotional followers of our teams, should be thankful for what these players have done for us, regardless of the bad patches, the lost games, the upsets by the minnows.
Unfortunatley, Pakistan cricket stands at a set of crossroads right now. The whole infrastructure is in the danger of dis-integrating, exactly the opposite of what Bob would have wanted. Or they can take this setback as a positive, and get jolted into some sort of revival, which is needed in the sub-continent. The thing I fear most is that Cricket in the sub-continent may go the same way as hockey did a couple of decades ago. That would be bad news, not just for us the fans, but also for the people who benefit most - the administrators of the game.
The best tribute to Bob Woolmer that Pakistani cricket can pay is to get its house in order, and come back stronger than ever. Just as a weak west indian side has not been healthy for world cricket, I believe an equal depression in pakistani cricket could be disastrous for the sub-continet, and the world cricket in genral.
Please, please for god's sake, sort out the issues plauging the sub-continetal teams - and with that I mean pakistan, and India.
Complain about this postBob, I dont know you but i feel as if i do. Thank you for giving so much to cricket and to Pakistani cricket in particular. You came to Pakistan when many others would not have. You took a group of individuals and made them in to a team. I am sure they will treasure their time with you.
God bless your soul and give your family the strength to get through this difficult time.
Thank you.
From God we come and to Him is our return.
Complain about this postwhy the hell wasnt afridi there, i hope he had a good reason otherwise it really is sad to see him ignore it
Complain about this postnice choice of words Alison. well of course we know that the cricket world has miss a great stallward who can never be replaced. Bob's contribution to the game we all love was so great that he will always remember. the conference to which Alison speak about was very much warmth felt. it is said that you must not speak ill of the dead but i guess in this case no one can dare to do so because Bob was a great man and all the Paskistani players that spoke yesterday spoke from their hearts which showed that Bob will really be missed.
And well done Inzi, the game will miss you.
Walk good Bob..
Complain about this postIn my views cricket worldcup or any other competitions are organized to play the game in great sprit and play it well, winning and losing really does not matter much. Pakistan cricket team is a great example in this worldcup. Even after losing they are the heros and won many hearts.
I salute the whole pakistan team and wish the departing soul of Bob remin in peace.
Amen
Sajid
Complain about this postI think this tournament especially has showed cricket to be just more than a game. One great coach has sadly passed and another fantastic player has called it time. I think once all has settled down, you can only admire the hard work of Bob Woolmer and the talents that Inzi possessed on the field making him an amazing captain, player and person for Pakistan.
Complain about this postBeautiful article Alison. Bob Woolmer will be missed by all Pakistanis. He did a splendid job with Pakistan team, we are all grateful to you Bob!
May you rest in peace!
Complain about this postSudden death of Bob Woolmer is a great loss for the cricketing world. I am proud of our cricket team, we should learn to accept defeats with open heart. Best of luck to Inzamam for his future, we need him in the future and I think he has some cricket left in him and he should be selected in the test team.
Complain about this postBob wasnt't only close to the team but to the fans too, its unbelievable how appraochable he was. I always e-mailed him requesting tips and asking about particular cricketers and how there prep is going. Giving him my advice,which he probably didnt needed, but he always accpeted them.
I have never seen a celebrity who has so much interaction with his fans.
I will always have comfort in the thought that Bob in some way was Pakistani and he will belong to us, and we to him.
Complain about this postI cannot agree more with Rick Srinivasan. Absolutely touching article.
Complain about this postVery touching indeed.
I cannot agree more with Rick Srinivasan. Absolutely touching article.
Complain about this postVery touching indeed.
conspiracies have different facets. And this issue does have one behind. we all have faith in jamaica's police and are eagerly waiting to listen the factual reason.
Complain about this postI am sad about the unfortunate demise of Bob Woolmer, how he did his job to perfection training Pakistani team.If it was not so, you can never hear such moving eulogies from almost every member of the team.May his soul rest in peace.I am happy to see Inzy retire,as an Indian supporter, though he also did a marvelous job as a Captain for Pakistan.
Complain about this postAssalmau Alaikum all.
I didn't know much about Bob Woolmer until i read the bacground information provided about him on the BBC website.
But it's clear to see that the man was a one-off a true gentleman in all senses of the word in the murky world of Pakistani and world Cricket.
He wasn't a stranger to controversy having coached the Proteas (South Africa) whilst they involved with the bookmaker scandal in India.
But all i can say is he was calm when others were ruffled, he smiled when his player were down and he lended a warm arm to keep others up when their morale was down.
And above all he was humble in a world of shallowness and so called self professed "Superstars".
Peace.
P.S - Assalamu Alaikum is the Arabic and Muslim salutation for Peace Upon You.
Complain about this postExcellent work Alison. Bob Woolmer was a great cricket lover and excellent coach. Although we don't know exactly happened to Bob. We do know it was brought on by the defeat and the stupid reaction of the Pak fans and Pak public.
I hope the pak cricket fans around the world change their thinking and support their team in a considerate manner.
I thank you Bob for all your hard work you have done for pakistan and this great game of cricket. May you Rest in Peace.
Complain about this postIt was a very good article. Thanks for that. All I would like to say is that death of Bob Woolmer has absorbed all the anger against pakistani players.
Complain about this postI would like PCB and Pakistan Government to give his widow the highest pakistani civil award and should name at least an enclosure in Qaddaffi stadium Lahore for his contribution to pakistan cricket. May his soul rest in peace
What a difficult time for Bob's family - and it seems like the Pakistan team treated him as family too. It must have been very hard for the journalists too who will have known Bob so well and talked to him so often. Thoughts with you all, ad I hope the tournament itself is a fitting tribute to a man who tried to develop cricket all round the globe
Complain about this postThe most saddest day in cricket history. It would have been an even greater motivation for the Pakistani cricket team had they qualified to the Super 8's.
My deepest sympathies and everlasting support to the Woolmer family. He was a great coach and I don't think anyone has ever done a tremendous job in turning things around for the Pakistani team.
May Bob's soul rest in peace!
Complain about this postSincerely,
Adnan Khawaja
Good post in speculative atmosphere. I m an admirer of Bob's personality and especially his unique smile. I can feel the pain of Bob's family. May his soul rest in peace.
Complain about this postBob was the COACH OF HEARTS, as i have seen tears in those eyes who have'nt even met him. He ;ll b missed by each and every cricket lover in Pakistan and every where.
It is very evident to see that Bob’s wisdom, humility and love has been imprinted on the Pakistan cricket team. He has taught them to be victorious in their losing. Throughout Inzi has been impeccable and his modesty has been a lesson for all during these testing times (better than any innings he has probably ever played).
Complain about this postMay Allah grant Bob ease in his passage through to the next life and may you all find solace and comfort in all that he gave and stood for. Thanks Alison for sharing this article.
Having lost to Ireland was a great disappointment but Death of Bob was shock,heart doesnt take interest in Cricket or in world cup more coz of Pakistan early exit but life seems to be meaningless when you lost Loved one like Bob.Bob died for Pakistan andPakistanis will always be remebering him as a Patriotic hero of there nation.
Complain about this postMy country may be out of the world cup but I feel proud at the way Inzamam and the Pakistan team has conducted itself at one of its worst moments.
Bob Woolmer's team may not have produced the results he had hoped for in this world cup but his legacy will live on in the hearts of many Pakistanis
Complain about this postBob was a great coach and a wonderful human being. Pakistan cricket will always miss him. To the Pakistan team I would say, cheer up. Losing to Ireland is not the end of your world. Pick yourselves up and start planning for the next World Cup. It is coming up very quickly and there is a lot of work to do. Wins and losses are part of the game. To all the Pakistanies who are unhappy with team performance. Please welcome them back home with honor and diginity. If you love sports then be like sportsmen. Don't trash your team because of this loss but give them the support to bring home the next World Cup
Complain about this postThanks Alison for writing this article which surely touches everyones heart. Especially at a time when people are actually doubting the credibility of my Pakistani boys,you have certainly told the truth.
Complain about this postAs for my team, I have to say that I am still proud of them for there champions display against Zimbabwe. Unfortunately the Group stage this year was designed such that If you mess up in 1 match, you are out.Its not fair with them.
I truly beleive we will be back soon.
Me and every single cricket lover will miss Bob and Inzi.
HE WAS A GREAT COACH AND WAS LOVED BY THE PAKISTANI TEAM
Complain about this postwhen Pakistan lost to ireland i was so dissappointed but when I read the news of Bob's death i was literally crying I felt like one of my close family has left me I couldnt sleep for days and still some times i starts to cry thinkin bout bob woolmer it seriously is a sad day for cricket world and especially for the Pakistani nation and the cricket team i can not write more becoz im gonna brokedown in to tears all im goona say i hope bob's soul rest in peace in after life Amin
Complain about this postVery saddened to hear that Bob's gone now, Praise to Pakistani Team on putting the odds on Irish Team and losing galantly.
Complain about this postThis team doesnt care about anyone and gives a damn about the lovers of this brilliant game, they are just concerned about money and playing for themselves and not for the country.
Message to all the poor fanatic fans that stop admiring our team players.
Great Article.......Alison Mitchell......
Complain about this postWhenever i remember about Bob my eyes are full of tears i felt like my family member i have lost,also for Inzi how can v forget 1992 semifinal great player.....
Its been most difficult time in my life as Pakistan Fan just cant express my feelings..........I hope Pakistan comes out with good changes n better team in future to challenge the other teams in world.....
Many years ago, I remember interviewing Woolmer after South Africa, under Hansie Cronje had won a four-nation tournament in Nairobi. He appeared a bit of a mean man to interview but I think, perhaps he was the best cricket coach around and he knew it. I guess he just wanted me to ask him straight questions related to cricket and not meander around.
Complain about this postI was shocked when i heard the news tha pakistan lose the game with ireland. Then i was shocked even more when i heard that bob woolmer was dead. My favorate team in the world cup was Pakistan but i was shock by their perfomance. BOb woolmer was a good person and a good coach who had taken pakistan to high. But his wish of winning world cup for pakistan could not be fullfiled. Inzi is also a good and cool person and brilliant captain in the world. he should not be retire from the game he should have to paly the game for country. and i hope pakistan will play well in this critical situation and all the best for them and also sorry.
Complain about this postI watched some of the game and followed the leadership of Inzi and Bob,
Complain about this postthey were two hands together they achieved hugh amount and as team they dominated the cricket field.
Bob will be missed for all he has done for the game and Inzi will also be missed for the talent he showed within team and lessons should be learnt to improve hte unity in Pakistan camp.
The camp should not be dictated by the sad events recently but get together under umbrela of unity as Pakistan national team and be on top of the world, stamp out any illegal betting and stop seeking fortunes in the game but to show the team can be united and be the best in the world.
My condolancy to the team and Bob's family and best wishes for the team.
When i heard the news about Bob, i was shocked and tears were coming out like someone very close has passed away.We all know no other coach of Pakistan than Bob stayed for such a long period and without involving any politics among players.Every Pakistani considered him as a strong team part.No doubt he recieved many criticsm from former players but he never noticed such kind of criticsm.The comments of Bob about players and players about Bob were always "We/I are/am comfortable and Happy with him/them".We really miss him and i was even missing him in last match agaisnt Zimbabwe when camera was scrolling down towards Pak dressing room.There is nothing left for all of us as a Pakistani in this world cup...No coach...No Inzimam...and No expectations and prayers.But we will never forget this world cup.
Complain about this postI would like to thank you Alison Mitchell, for writing such a great article.
I still remember the feeling on the day when i heard about Bob Woolmer's departure. I was out with friends before i got th news and we were cursing Pakistani team on there defeat from Ireland. When i reached home, turned on the TV, heard the news that Bob Woomer passed away and i was like WHAT !!!!. Called my friends and gave them the news, they were all shocked and sorry.
Alison Mitchell you mentioned the way Pakistani cricket team has given tribute to there coach shows that he was a father and friend for the Pakistani cricket team who worked hard to keep them on the right side of cricket. Though i never met or seen Bob Woolmer other then on TV and in newspapers but i did respected him and this respect is growing day by day by reading articles and news about him, they way he worked and kind of a person he was, honorable and dedicated.
About Pakistani team, what happened in the match was definitely shameful but after all it is a game.
My condolence to Mrs.Woolmer, his sons and other family members. We are very sad and stand by Woolmer's family.
May he rest in peace.
Complain about this postI feel sure Bob Woolmer would have wanted the World Cup to continue but I think it should be renamed 'The Bob Woolmer World Cup'. He was a great player for Kent and England and a superb coach for South Africa and Pakinstan.
Complain about this postBob was a great man. He will be missed by all those who love cricket. To the Pakistan team: stay strong boys. The world mourns with you
Complain about this postWell I am deeply shocked about this.
Bob, was one of the players that inspired us to play cricket when we were lads. He was a great innovative coach who always shielded his players, which was very demanding to do, yet he was always humble an smiling. He was a great ambassador for cricket and life in general.
May God rest his soul and my condolences to all his family, friends, and supporters from all over the world.
Conrad
Complain about this postI really liked the article that has been written about bob woolmer, he was a good man and such a good coach, he was like a father to the pakistani team and the team were rly upset that he died and they will remember him for the rest of there lives. pakistan have benn doing really only because of bob he was truly a good man and helped pakistan to perform there best.
Complain about this postInzamam was a good captain and every pakistani loved him and will miss him alot. he did alot for his team. both bob and inzamam will be remembered. R.I.P bob.
Thanks Alison for this opportunity of letting our feelings out and Truly it has felt as if i have lost a friend close to me on hearing of Bob's demise, and the retirement of Inzimam has added to it all....
INTRODUCTION:
I have grown up in the Indian part of Kashmir as a crazy cricket player and a huge fan of the Pakistan cricket. In all these years when Kashmir has been in turmoil of political instability and loosing so many young lives Cricket has been not just a GAME. It has served as a hope for the young living and a mark of remembrance and grace for those who died. And Pakistan cricket is where no one would fail to answer a question on and waiting for one to an other cricket series and tournament has kept the life going amidst all it’s uncertainties.
However, just like the millions of the fans World wide it's been disappointing to digest all the politics in the Pakistan cricket off the field. It's no secret how great cricketing icons have been not only forgotten but disrespected. And i really pray to God that Inzimam would not be yet an other addition to that list....
AN APPEAL TO THE ENTIRE LOVER'S OF THE GAME ESPECIALLY PAKISTAN CRICKET:
In particular to those ex Pakistan cricketers who are showering prophecy of their greatness over all the TV channels these days. Please have a bit of respect for your self. Please don't disrespect Bob and Inzimam. Bob has serves the most longest and successful tenure as a coach and we all know that and your 1200 run carriers and 50 wkt hauls are big joke to compare with the magnanimous role and service that Inzimam has done over the years for Pakistan cricket.
TO THE FANS:
Although, a big price but please let Bob's sad death and Inzi's exodus from the ODI cricket give us the courage to support the players in their good/bad times. Just before the World cup in was so disheartening to read people’s remarks on Inzi forgetting about all those miraculous victories for 15 years....
LET NO ONE BE BIGGER THAN THE GAME AND NOT EVEN US THE CROWD....
TO THE MEDIA:
While this forum has served as an excellent example of a good journalism there unfortunately are hundreds of channels falling on this news like vultures. Please have a respect to the great man Bob, by waiting for the Police inquiry and not further playing with the emotions of Woolmer family, the Pakistan team and all the lovers of the GAME OF CRICKET. Let's strive to make Bob a figure a true face to the words CRICKET A GENTLEMAN'S GAME AND LET’S MAKE EFFORTS TO KEEP IT GENTLE. That’s what we owe to BOB WOOLMER.
Complain about this postLove
Raf
a beautiful article by a beautiful person! well done Alison.. very emotional..
Bob.. you were and always will be a legend.. a true giant of the game, and a gentleman. Cricket, pakistan and the whole world will miss you... may you rest in peace eternally..
Inzi.. what can i say? I cannot imagine life without you. Ever since I have followed cricket, you have been there, battling away in your own unique style. You were the greatest batsman pakistan ever had, and one of the greats of all time. If it wasnt for your running in between wickets, tendulkar and lara would have been second best by a long way.... all true cricket fans know that. LOng live Pakistan.. and may we never forget the legacy of Bob.
Complain about this postWhen bob was murdered, the Pakistani team died with him.
Complain about this postThe world cup trophy should be renamed the Bob Woolmer Trophy in recognition of his huge contribution to world cricket.
Complain about this postMy husband was trying convince me last night that Bob Woolmer had, in fact, been murdered. I was dismissive of the notion, not because I doubted him, but because I didn't want it to be true. I didn't want to believe that the game I love was capable of producing that kind of insanity. Although I am an India supporter, I have always applauded the greats of the Pakistani team. I am a great admirer of Inzi, of his skills, leadership, composure and humility. For him to retire in the world cup, with this shocking news at his heels is indeed a sad day for cricket and for Pakistan. For someone to take Bob's life in this way is a disgusting blot on the game. May Bob rest in peace and his killers be brought to justice.
Complain about this postGreat work done.
It would have been a bit more better if you could have added all that was said by players.
Complain about this postBob,
You gave your life to Pakistan Cricket, hope they repay you.
I and the all the cricket supporters will always remember and miss you, R.I.P.
Complain about this posti think this death is tradgic and i think it should be number 1 concern to the authorities of cricket. furthermore i think the cricket world cup should go on as it is brilliant. i would also like to say how sorry i am for bobs death he seemed like a great coach and man.
Complain about this postIt was really sad news to hear of Bob, thinking of his family and the Pakistan Cricket team.
Complain about this postThe breaking news regarding the death of Bob Woolmer being a murder case really is appalling. My deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends and also to the Pakistan team who were so courageous in playing their final match against Zimbabwe. This tragic event has totally tarnished the competition and we can only hope that if it is indeed a murder that his killers are found and brought to justice.
I would also like to pay tribute to Inzimam who has led his team through difficult times and been the subject of a lot of unfair publicity. He is a fine cricketer and should be remembered as one of the best batsmen of our time.
My thoughts, and I am sure many others are with the Pakistani team and the late Bob Woolmer's family at this awful time.
Rest in peace, Bob. We will always remember you.
Complain about this postHi, I'm sorry to hear about the death of the Pakistani coach. Bob Woolmer was a great guy, he surely did treat the Pakistani's like his children and he was a great father figure. God bless him.
Complain about this postA GOOD MAN, I COULD FEEL HIS UNHAPPINESS WHEN THE TEAM LOST TO IRELAND, IT MUST HAVE BEEN VERY HARD FOR HIM. THE STRAIN WAS CLEAR TO SEE ON HIS FACE AT THE POST GAME PRESS CONF, I WISH HIS FAMILY WELL IN THIS AWFULL TIME, AND PRAY TO GOD TO GIVE THEM THE STRENGTH TO CARRY ON
Complain about this postI WISH TO ALSO ADD THAT INZI DID A GREAT JOB IN LEADING PAKISTAN, THEY ARE ONE O THE BEST TEAMS IN THE WORLD, IT WILL BE SAD TO SEE HIM LEAVE ONE GAMES, BUT I PRAY THAT GOD GIVES PAKISTAN THE STRENGTH TO STAND UP AT THIS TIME, AND MAY GOD ALLOW PAKISTAN TO ACHIVE GREAT THINGS IN THE FUTURE, ALL MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THE LADS IN THE PAKISTAN SQUAD, MAY GOD GRANT THEM STRENGTH.
Complain about this postI WISH TO ALSO ADD THAT INZI DID A GREAT JOB IN LEADING PAKISTAN, THEY ARE ONE O THE BEST TEAMS IN THE WORLD, IT WILL BE SAD TO SEE HIM LEAVE ONE GAMES, BUT I PRAY THAT GOD GIVES PAKISTAN THE STRENGTH TO STAND UP AT THIS TIME, AND MAY GOD ALLOW PAKISTAN TO ACHIVE GREAT THINGS IN THE FUTURE, ALL MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THE LADS IN THE PAKISTAN SQUAD, MAY GOD GRANT THEM STRENGTH.
Complain about this postBob was coach with heart & soul. He gave his life for the game. My condolences are with his family.
Complain about this postHe was a good ambassador for cricket.
I wish & hope the culprits are tracked down by police.
God bless you Bob! My thoughts are with your family and friends. You are irreplaceble! You weren't only dear to Pakistan cricket team but to the entire Pakistani nation.
I shall never forget you and you have left a huge blank amongst us, which will never fill, whatsoever.
You have left your team orphan. All the best to Inzi too and last but not the least thank you Allison for the fantastic article.
Bob, May your soul rest in peace (Amen)
Complain about this postAsalam O Alykum (peace be upon all of u)
Complain about this postyes as pakistani i m very upset about my team when they were defeated by ireland
but a biggest shock to me after this was the death of Bob woolmer o my God one after an other well
we have to support our team and left the criticisum behind because they are now very upset by loosing and death of dear woomler so when they come back we have to receive them like heros are rewarded give them courage we have to remember inzee as inzamam the wining player for 1992 world cup.
Complain about this postWe all Pakistanis have always regarded Bob as
fatherly figure of Pakistan cricket .He did invaluable services by grooming Pakistan Cricket
Team.All Pakistani Palyers have expressed
their heartfelt sorrow on his tragic death. I am at
loss with international media s efforts to implicate pakistan s team in this tragic incidence,
without waiting for the final investigations.
I think the suggestion by Alan H. (comment 49) is fantastic. Considering his background as a player, a coach for South Africa, then Pakistan, and a huge influence on the development of the top Associate members, I can think of no better tribute.
Complain about this postWell spoken Alan! I'll be forwarding your suggestion on to others...
I think the suggestion by Alan H. (comment 49) is fantastic. Considering his background as a player, a coach for South Africa, then Pakistan, and a huge influence on the development of the top Associate members, I can think of no better tribute.
Complain about this postWell spoken Alan! I'll be forwarding your suggestion on to others...
Am a Zimbabwean but my best team is Parkstan. I will miss Woolmer a lot. REST in peace.
Complain about this postTo Inzy you were the greast one. Here people call Dhara (local language-shona for the greatest). Seriously i could not hold drops of tears when i sa you walking out of the feild to a standing ovation after your last game. My wish is to see you continuing contributing to Cricket the way Woolmer did. Enjoy your life and may the lord guide you.
Thank you Alison for this excellent piece.
Bob's sudden departure from this world came as a huge shock to all. He gave his life to the game of cricket and will be missed especially by all cricket lovers. May his soul rest in peace.
In Inzi we have the greatest batting talent out of Pakistan. I hope he receives the due recognition that he deserves. Thanks Inzi for all the ODI entertainment over the past 15 years and long may you continue in the Test arena.
Finally, I have immense praise for the Pakistan team and management in the way they have conducted themselves over the last few days in what has been and still is an emotional and difficult time for the team.
Complain about this postIt's not just the Pakistan Cricket Team but the whole nation which is grieving from this colossal loss.
Bob Woolmer was indeed a very well loved and respected figure in Pakistan. The nation mourns and so does the Govt.
The Government of Pakistan has aptly acknowledged his contribution to Pakistan Cricket by awarding him the 'Star of Distinction', one of the highest civilian awards to be presented to his wife on Pakistan Independence Day.
The Cricket Team appears clueless and rudderless for now.
May Bob's soul rest in peace and may his family have the courage and strength to bear the irreversible loss.
And may the perpetrators of this ghastly crime be brought to justice speedily.
Complain about this postBob Woolmer born in India, Played Test Cricket for England, Coached both South Africa & Pakistan, resident of South Africa and successful coach of English County Side with many Nationalites, A true International Cricket Statesman, a shining example of the cultural diversity and harmony that still exisits in this the gentlemens game for whom Bob Woolmer was a proud example. RIP. AMEEN
Complain about this postMany thanks to Ms. Alison for writing such a great article. I believe her article captures and represents true emotions of most of cricket followers in Pakistan.
Bob Woolmer was loved and respected not just by the cricket-playing fans. He was loved and well regarded equally by the non-cricket playing fans in Pakistan. He will be missed
Complain about this postWhat a beautiful, touching piece. Even the Pakistan press failed to cover this poignant event. Thanks a million!
Complain about this postJust a quick reminder for your ntext guy in Kenya/England match. . .
Complain about this postThe Kenyan bowler's name is ONGONDO not Ongongo!!!!!!!
Thanks
Nicely done Ali. The shock waves will continue for some time as all sports and respective administrators and players contemplate the ramifications of Bob's untimely death. Unfortunately, it is most unlikely that sport will return from becoming business.
Your descriptions are making travelling to the region very attractive.
Peter
Complain about this postInternational Cricket has been a game of money and money only. Fools around the world don't understand its cruilty even after death of Hansie Cronje. Bob woolmer is one more person sacrificed by this game by the money minded people.
Its hard to buy wealthy national teams but poor teams like Pakistan, India, West Indies are more likely to sell their matches to fixers. I don't watch cricket cos I am unable to watch the powerful game behind the useless game played on ground. I was not interested in world cup but I am eager to know why and how Bob died. May this time truth gets revealed.
Bob woolmer was a true person. He was a real human being without boundaries. His ambition was that game will one day become fair but practicalities have proved him unsuccessful. May God rest Bob woolmer's soul in peace.
Complain about this postas commentated by Arlo White, describing Jayasuriya batting vs Vettori, 13 April,
....'cut to backward square leg'...
Alison, please come back ......
Complain about this postI praise wholeheartedly the awesome article written by Alison. I must say that the sudden death of Bob Woolmer did gave alot of shockwaves around the world. Bob was a great man, a great man indeed he had dedicated his whole life to cricket he had perfected the cricket of Pakistan. May he Rest in peace
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