Cricinfo - Blogs - Pak Spin - The tragedy of Bob Woolmer

Kamran's crticism of Bob Woolmer has always been healthy and constructive, unlike some other sections of the press and some ex-cricketers, who's prerogative was to demean Bob no matter what.

Bob Woolmer was indeed a great man and a coach and he did go on Mission Impossible when he decided to be associated with Pakistan Cricket. I have been following his Q&As on his website and other articles, and he has always taken on criticism bravely but he was equally blunt and harsh on those who were deliberately trying to make his life miserable. I just hope and pray that his death had nothing to do with Pakistan's loss to Ireland and Pakistan's premature exit from the world cup. May God rest his soul in peace.

RIP Bob,
Everything from yesterday has changed with the this sad news. My condolences to Mrs. Woolmer and family. Pakistan will miss Bob.

I more than anyone feel at this time and very shocked and saddend by the Death of Bob Woolmer, I hope the Pakistan team can live with themselves after this? because in my eyes they are the ones behind the death. I have had made remarks towards Bob Woolmer's coaching style, but today I learnt a valuble lesson in that Pak Cricket meant more to him than the rest of the Pak Squad? Bob let his life go of his like, so as not to appear a villian and bady in the Eyes of the Pakistani Public and media as winning was everything to him??? Afterall he had nothing to Cheer about after the 2 w/c games??? I hope Inzi through some miracle of Allah get's to hear about this blog and my review, as I blame him for the death along with the rest of the failing pakistani cricket team of losers. I am really upset. No man or women should die in this manner. RIP Bob Woolmer, I am so sorry. Best Wishes to your loved family in this difficult time.

R.I.P Bob.
The best coach PAKISTAN has ever had.

My condolences to his family.

We pakistan fans are evry ungrteful and did not realise what a coach we had.

Reminds me of a old sayin you dont know what you got until its gone.

May everyone pay there respects to a man worthy of respect.

Heartfelt condolences to Bob Woolmers family and the cricketing community at large on his untimely and tragic death. He deserved better.
It is also a tragic death for Pakistan cricket because they had a chance with this man.
After the Ireland defeat there was only one man in my humble opinion that one could trust to speak the truth at the inquest because the rest of the management and team will be bound by internal politics. Lets hope that they learn a final lesson from a very good and humble man.
Rest in peace Bob.

its a very sad day, not only for Pakistan Cricket but World Cricket.
May his soul rest in peace.
He'll always be remembered as a great couch and a great man.

The sad from for cricket, a man who regardless of the challanges he faced with the Pakistan changed the face of coaching in the 90's. One of the pioneers of innovation, he bought a new approach in the way teams handled opposition skills, strengths and weaknesses. He tried his best to change the face of Pakistani cricket, ultimately the same old Pakistan system failed him. But as kamran said he was brave enough to take the challange.
More than Pakistan, it's the cricketing world that would miss him. His creativity and talent, something he still had to offer to the world.

The dark clouds that have been over the pakistani cricket team since Ovalgate continue to rage on. I think i can speak for ever pakistani when i say I am depressed. RIP Bob Woolmer

This is very devastating news, if I was at his place and his position probably I would have died too.Pakistan cricket mainly the team and the board should learn something from this incident and do something, definitely Inzamam should be sacked since he put everything on luck and according to Imran Khan's statement in Daily Jang online that you can't blame everything on luck!You have to go out, make strategy and play cricket.My condolences to Bob's family, he was a great professional, he tried and died for the game.

Thanks

Kamran, I am surprised to know that some readers have rebuked your open letter to Bob. The tragedy is totally unexpected and comes as a shock and more importanly it showed us who was sincere and more passionate about Pakistan cricket. As I wrote in my last email to you, the other two you mentioned in your letter have not even hinted of rendering a resignation. On the issue of adddressing in Urdu, I must say that the IQ of Naseem Ashraf is so abysmal that I even doubt whether he earned his MBBS degree or bought it. Linking the promotion of tourism with the Urdu only policy was dire. However sticking to the current tragedy of losing Bob, I want to express my deep sorrow at his death. Last night after the exit, myself and my friends were praying that somehow we can get rid of Inzamam, Naseem Ashraf, Saleem Altaf and Wasim Bari, while Bob gets a free reign to coach.

May his soul rest in peace and sincere condolences to his family.

Allah hafiz
Asad, UK

Bob Woolmer was a good coach and he will be missed..Pakistan needed him but they let him down!!

A great coach who can make average team a great team but from my point of view Bob did'nt failed its once again the system of our country cricket

Sad loss for word cricket. Bob was a very proud man (what do pakistani team know about pride.. just money money, fights) and he must have really hurt after pakistan's loss against ireland. He wasn't pakistani but being a professionsl he dreamt about seeing pakistan win the cup. If pakistis team dont know the word pride, learn it now for GOD's sake. It wasn't Bob's fault if players didn't do the way they were coached. Players would still end up with millions of rupees but a decent and great coach has lost his life. Shame on you pakistani team.

My apologies to all the so called ex. great players that they dont have to pick on Bob anymore because he was english and gora (as Zaheer Abbas used to call to curse him in his interviews)... shame on you... My blood boils but its of no use. PCB's marry go round would carry on.

'REST IN PEACE BOB, TRUE CRICKET LOVERS WOULD MISS YOU AND THANKS FOR ALL THE HARD WORK YOU DID FOR THIS COUNTRY'.

I feel sorry for Inzi and the whole team for the shocking loss. (let's face it. if the minnows fancy a win against a major team, it has got to be india/pak since these two teams are vulnerable any day)

I am even more appalled by Bob's death. He was a pioneer coach who applied statistics and in-depth analysis to great effect. He would think out batsmen. Nowadays many coaches try to emulate him with a laptop, but they can only go as far as that.

He made SA a great outfit.Hats off BOB!

SO LONG BOB WOOLMER..YOU WILL BE MISSED..MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!

Bob Woolmer's demise is a most grievous occurence, and that it came so close to the worst defeat in Pakistan's history - no doubt the shame and ignominy of the defeat had a lot to do with Bob Woolmer's demise. He indeed was a professional trying to instill professionalism into a bunch of talented but obtuse and unprofessional cricketer's - totally nonserious and unaccountable for their actions. Look at people like Younis Khan, misbehaving prior to the Champion's trophy - what did his attitudinal "puppet captain" remark actually result in - a shameful exit from world stage. Look at Inzamam, now the bastion of Pakistan batting, the manner of his dismissal against a "minnow" team in his 350+something one dayer.

The solution is only in the hands of the PCB, not only shopuld it be fired and run independently and democratically, but it should be transparent to the public. There are millions of things to discuss. What happened to school cricket..what happened to club cricket...what happened to making better grounds and wickets...what happened to the famed "Cricket Academy"...lastly what happened to national pride. What's happening in World cricket today is what happened in Field Hockey almost 2 decades ago - changing rules and fitness and indeed game standards are changing and evolving - our board our government and our President are looking on as our cricket is deteriorating, along with our country. Better not play and withdraw our status as an international team until we can really become competitive.

Very nice article there Kamran, words cant express how deeply saddening the death of bob Woolmer is. What a sad day for his family and Pakistan cricket.

Ill just end it off with saying RIP Bob, may Allah bless your soul for your contributions to pakistani cricket.

As one who follows Pakistani cricket with from afar (living in snowy Maine, USA), I am greatly saddened by Bob Woolmer's demise.
He took on the impossible task, trying to coach the uncoachable and died trying. When all is said and done all Pakistanis know they have lost a loyal friend and will miss him dearly. I know he will be missed by those he coached.
I sincerly hope the PCB will do something suitable honour his loyalty.
God Bless him!

kamram i have nothing to say to you at the moment i just wanted to use your article to submit my deapest regret and i have only respect for him and my sympathies are with his family and the pakistan team that should be like a family to him by now

From whatever I've ever read and seen of the man, What he wrote and conveyed through his columns, You could never trace any malice. He showed exemplary patience in the face of all the crisis he faced during the build up to this tournament.

He had only one passion, and as Allan Donald says, he might as well have paid for it. He earned respect, he deserved it, It is a sad way to go for such a humble man who performed his duties professionally and humbly. He has my respect forever. May God have mercy on his soul.

yea i'm very saddened by the passing away of bob woolmer. he was a good coach, and had his players supported him more, pakistan would have won more matches, achieved consistency(something they have lacked in the past), and bob woolmer would have been a more successful coach. whatever it was with him, i'm still shocked by this tragedy. and i'm concerned about the future of pakistan cricket.

IT IS VERY BIG LOSS TO WORLD CRICKET AND PAKISTAN CRICKET, AS BOB HAS TAKEN WITH HIM THE INVENTIVE WAYS OF HIS TO LIFT THE GAME OF CRICKET AND TO MAKE IT MORE COMPETITIVE. pAKISTAN LOST HIS WAY IN THIS WORLD CUP LITTLE BIT BECAUSE OF BOB INSTEAD IT HAS LOST BECAUSE OF IT HAS LOST BECAUSE OF POOR FORM OF PLAYERS AND THEIR INABILITY TO PLAY OUT OF SUBCONTINENT. GIVE BOB A DIFFERENT TEAM LIKE SA INDIA OR AUTRALIA HE CAN DO WONDERS WITH THEM BUT WITH PAKISTAN TEAM HAVING INZI, YOUNIS, RANA, KANERIA, HAFEEZ SAMI AKMAL YOU ONLY CAN THINK OF LOSING.....
SORY TO SAY THIS FOR MY AFRIDI'S TEAM BUT ITS FACT.
I AM SORRY FOR YOU BOB.
JIMDHILLON CANADA

OH My GOD!!! I feel Deeply sorry for him, what Tragedy! he was just couldn`t intake the Loss! istead 15 Guys of Pakistani Team should have died from Shame other then him. he was the best pushed in political dogma of tableegi Jamaat which has intrench itseld in Pakistan National Team!
Inzimam it should have been you!!!

Bob Woolmer (May his soul rest in peace) was a man failed by a system, and the entire pakistani cricket fraternity should be proud of a man who was so hurt by failure that he lost the will to live! The sense of loss is overwhelming!

great loss!!!.As a pakistani i feel horrible that in his last match pakistan team probably gave him the worst result that they could give him as a team under his coaching..may his soul rest in peace.

Posted by: ( Sitarah Anjum-London (A man who lived for cricket and died for it!) at March 18, 2007 8:26 PM

Just when I posted my comment to Kamran’s ‘Open letter to Inzy, Bob, and the Doc’, I heard the shocking news on Geo at around 6:15pm UK time that he had a serious heart attack and just minutes after that I got the confirmation of his death! I was speechless for a moment and felt unbelievable pain over his sad demise. I was mourning the death of Pakistan’s cricket but I did not know that it will be for Bob Woolmer after few hours of Pakistan’s humiliating exit from the WC!

As I mentioned earlier in my previous comments that when I woke up on Sunday morning I felt as if someone in my family has died! I did not know that this feeling was for Bob Woolmer  We had complaints regarding the performance how Pakistan team played and has been playing recently but as a person had nothing bad for him in my heart and now I feel that cricket gave him such an unbearable shock that he could not live with it. Death and life is in the hands of God but when sad consequences like this lead to someone’s sudden loss of life, this can only be described as TRAGEDY. What a black day in Pakistan Cricket’s history. This will always be remembered for all the wrong reasons. I feel v v v v v bad over his sad, tragic sudden death. Winning or losing is part of a game I know. I was devastated over Pakistan’s lost against Ireland but I did not know that it will cost Bob Woolmer’s life……… I have no words to express my grievances. I send my heartfelt condolences to his family in South Africa. A man who lived for cricket and died for it. God rest his soul in peace Amen.

What a sad day for Pakistan Cricket.
This man gave us his all (including his life), and it was never good enough for us.
Why have we still not heard a condolence message from PCB yet.
What a sad day for all who love cricket.
Osman,
CT, USA

I was also shocked at the defeat, but Bob Woolmer's death puts things in perspective. It is just a game. May Bob's soul rest in peace.

Amen

A great tragedy for the world of cricket... a person who tried his best to work in an autocratic organization such as the PCB where the captain of the cricket team has more say than anyone in the selecting process.The shameless performace of the pakistani cricket team took its toll indirectly to some extent in his departure from this world (may god rest his soul in peace) but Inzaman's dictatorship style of leadership COULD have more to do with his untimely demise,than meets the eye.IT's very obvious that he took this defeat and the one against the Windies.,to heart more than any of us.IT's also very clear that he had made it very clear in his previous interviews,of the autocracy of Inzaman in the selection process.Had Sami been playing in the match against the Windies in place of Inaman's favorit e stooge Rana, we would have won the gane against them and would not have caused the heartache that millions of us Pakistanis are facing today and hence this deplorable tragedy of Bob woolmer,which could definately be triggered by the fact of us not making it to the super 8.The only way Inaman can pay tribute to the late Bob Woolmer is to resign..as a captain AND AS A PLAYER,AND TAKE ATLEAST 75% BLAME FOR BOB'sTRAGIC UNTIMELY DEATH AND FOR THE MISERIES OF THE PAKISTAN'S PERFORMANCE.Agaimn may god rest his soul in peace and give strength to his family to bear this horrible reality of life. Khuda Hafiz

A very sad day for Pakistan and Criket indeed.He worked very hard for the team even with our inconsistent system of management.He will be missed his professionalism will be missed.God bless his soul and give his family the strength to bear this huge loss.
Ahmad

i think pakistans loss in the world cup was ment to be as now it can be partially blamed for the loss of Bob Woolmer, fate had something to do here. i just like to forget pakistan cricket for months to come this is just very sad Bobs loss and Pakistans too.

I felt saddened by this sudden loss of such a wonderful person who was so much passionate about cricket and spreading it by his coaching. Given the history and all the intrigue associated with Pakistan cricket, he was a brave man to accept this job even. The fact that Bob failed in his mission reflects very poorly on Pakistan cricket system and I am sure even his untimely demise would be brushed off as a lost cause. Given the performance of this team in the world cup, I am sure he would have felt hurt and upset like millions other fans and neutrals alike who still crave to see bowlers like Akram in full flight against Sachin. Being a nutral I hope Pakistan cricket recovers from it and will aprreciate his mission to improve Pakistan cricket, for which he was given a stick by people who just have commercial interest at their heart. RIP Bob and thank you for all the glorius moments you gave us with South Africa and Pakistan.

KISMET, there was no other way by KISMET to prove that bob woolmers dedication towards pakistan team except by death,had bob been alive he along with inzy would had been blamed for the shocking exist out of the world cup,and now blaming inzy for exist would be the most idiotic belief,does inzy too has to die to prove that he alone isnt responsible for the exist?
the real culprit for the shocking exist of pakistan team is pakistanis themselves,they proved their stupidity by not electing IMRAN KHAN as pakistans prime minister,the main person behind pakistans shocking exist is NASIM ASHRAF ,and this "great" decision to make him PCB was by pervez musharraf,
kamran akmals and umar guls throwing their wicket when their job was to play full 50 overs,had they played full 50 overs pak would had made around 160 runs,and KISMET knows pak would had won
so, the things to be blamed for shocking pak exist is= 1)KISMET
2}NASIM ASHRAF
3}PERVEZ MUSHARRAF
and if pakistanis have even a little sensibility and understanding of cricket left,they should blame inzy and make IMRAN KHAN AS P.C.B chief for life,if they dont have the intelligence enough of making imran khan as pakistans prime minister,cause besides ALLAH, its only IMRAN KHAN who can save both pakistan and pakistani cricket team
GOD BLESS PAKISTAN

Kamran,
I couldn't agree with your comments more. Bob Woolmer was one of the most innovative thinkers in modern cricket, and is largely responsible for several advances in the way the game is coached at the international level. The best leaders in any field, corporate or sport, are the ones that are open to criticism and take it in their stride. Bob Woolmer certainly sounds like he fit that description.

At the end of the day, this is just a sport. I am not Pakistani, but I really hope that fans in Pakistan understand how much their team, their culture and their spirit meant to Bob. He paid with his life - calling for his arrest and burning effigies was out of place to begin with. My condolences go out to his family.

Great man Great coach .My condolences to his family.

why why why why did it happend ?? my condolences to his family :( a cant take it any more

The news of Bob Woolmer's death is certainly more shocking than Pakistan's defeat at the hands of Ireland

I guess the poor guy couldnt have given a bigger price then this to prove his commitment to the team. As part of a nation in which people dont even bother to tender their resignations when they ve messed up, this poor bloke gave his life.!!! There cant be a bigger testament to the man's GREATNESS. I bow down to an accomplished man and a life well lived. !!! May the paki cricket system and the honchos who have brought this upon us and an innocent guy like woolmer rot in hell. !!!

raza bashir

Throughly saddened by the news. In effect, the Pakistani players have contributed to this man's death. A man foreign to Pakistan, who took the team as his own but soon realized the type of nation we are, an ungrateful and hopeless people. Pakistan's institutions are rotten, and the nation is continuing its self-combustion that began in 1947. Congrats Pakistan team, you've killed a man who gave you professionalism, and you threw it away when it mattered most.

Huge loss for the cricketing world. I agree with your criticising and the fact that Bob was a media man is an important fact. I was a huge fan of Bob after Paks victory in Banglaore, the win against England on home soil and beating India in Karachi. Everything seemed to go pear shaped after the England series in England and Bob was restricted in the new look Pakistan was given due to its politics. His failures were partly down to the failing system in Pakistan. Nonetheless, Thank you Bob for giving your best and at times giving Pakistan supporters great joy.

raza bashir

Ironically enough, just when the news of Bob Woolmer's passing away was being posted, I was talking with a friend in Toronto. At the time I told him that Bob was a good coach and in cricket, you can't blame the coach for performances such as the one Pak. players displayed. Here in North America, fooball games are dependent on coach's decisions. But in cricket, once the pitch is analyzed, team selected, players on the field, it's totally up to the players to show their mettle or lack thereof in this case. Heads should roll but of those egotistical maniacs who jeopardized and lost everything I hoped out of Pak. cricket. One waits 4 years for such a big show down and Pak. players managed to survive 5 days. Way to go!
And what a big loss for World cricket in the passing away of Bob Woolmer. My deepest felt condolences to his family....

dear bob

although we had ups and downs
i will never ever forget you
you are the best coach pakistan ever had

rest in peace bob woolmer

abbas

I feel terrible about Bob and wish his family all the best. I agree with Dr Abbasi in all he says, and was also of opinion Bob had to go - even before the world cup. Truly its been a terrible last few months, from the England Series till today. I hope we can 'rise' from this, if this is the appropriate term.

I was shell shocked when I read Bob is no more. This is too much. I cried. This surely a very sad day. Passionate cool men like him lead us on. The 11 on the playing field have to win, What was Azar Mahmood doing after 16 balls & only 2 runs & then getting out like that, Playing has to be with responsibility, with an aim to win, surely these 11 could have batted better. If the cricketing structure isn't rectified then we would loose such great men like Bob Woolmer. These pressures are created due to flaws in the planning & that is true in every feld of work, the sooner we rectify these the better. Deep condolences to Bob & his family & the PAkistan Cricket team, & us , Bob lives on like an eternal light ever, It's time to start doing the good things now. God's Grace

devastating news.Very painful to swallow.An extrememely mellow and nice man who tried his best for pakistan cricket.Not many top western coaches would want to come to Pakistan and coach.He gave his life to the sport and will be hugely missed.

We are shocked...everybody has to go one day but was his death caused by Pak's defeat?

A national tragedy is upon us and its not the loss to Ireland.

The untimely death of Bob Wolmer should be a wakeup call to all Pakistani cricket fans who take their team too seriously. We have been critical of Bob, and I think he would welcome healthy criticism but to be fanatical to the point of being irrantionally subjective is something else.

Our country, our fans, and our players are in shock and deep mourning. What they need to do now is live up to the legacy of Bob Wolmer. Go out, win against Zimbabwe in a fashion that would make him proud. Go out and do all the things that he expected. Become the team he envisioned we could. Show the world Bob Wolmer did not fail as a coach. Pakistan cricket has already failed him. We may have a chance at redemption, however belated it maybe.

We will miss you Bob Wolmer - a true Pakistani.

I AM, STUNNED, SHOCKED AND DAZED by the news of Bob Woolmer's sudden demise!

In my last post this morning, in the other thread on Shamrock defeat, I had quoted Ghalib's verse:

"Ho chukeen Ghalib bala-ayen sab tamaam,
Ek marg-e-naagahaani aur hai."

For non Urdu speaking people here is the English translation of the difficult Urdu words:

Ho chukeen = whatever happened (in the past)
bala-ayen = calamities, tragedies
sab tamaam = everything else
marg = death,
naagahaanee = sudden or accidental
(So all the calamities and tragedies are over now, and the only thing that is in waiting is - the sudden death.)

When I wrote that above verse, I didn't have the slightest idea that BOB WOOLMER would be that victim. His sudden and sad demise has shocked the entire cricket world and most importantly all the Pakistanis. Bob's sudden death has created more woes, more misery and more distress than the defeat against Ireland. Its really a matter of grief, sorrow and shock for us ALL. I owe my sincere sympathies and deepest condolences to Bob Woolmer's family and close friends. I may have said something against his policies and his approach in coaching in the past, but that was totally about the game of cricket and personally I have nothing against him and I am really grieved, shocked and feel extremely sorry for this sudden and untimely demise. May God rest his soul in peace.

IMO Pakistan must abandon their match against Zimbabwe and the whole team and the PCB officials must go to his come country to attend his funeral proceedings. It is more important for them to show their last respects to their coach, rather than playing this last match which is nothing but a formality. I think paying a last homage to their coach who has spent the last 3 years with them and who took this shocking defeat to his heart, so much so that he lost his life in the process. This gesture would give his family a feeling of support and the honour and respect that Bob deserved. Also, PCB must immediately pay his family not only the dues but, a handsome gratuity in return for his services. Once again, lets say a few good words for the deceased - May God bless him and rest his soul in peace.

Regardless of what was said about Bob Woolmer, I must say all our prayers are with him. The man after all, gave his life in the process. It's a shame that this had to happen, but knowing pakistan cricket i suggest we start praying for the next martyr in line...it's a truly sad day for cricket, but i doubt the PCB has learned anything from this situation.

I am in total shock, I have been glued to GEO and ARY ONE world, a tragic loss and for those at home, I hope you realise it is just a game.

I will always remember Edgebaston July 2004, where he led us to victory against India.

Junaid Jamshed asked him during the England toud of Pakistan, what is like to beat your country and Bob was famously quoted as saying;

"I am a Pakistani, I live in Pakistan, I will die in Pakistan, and will be burried in Pakistan"

Thank you for the memories Bob, I am sure there's a place in heaven for you.

Machination of mind, body and soul yes we dont understand niether do we understand will of God apart from it being the reason of last resort.

But as a nation we also do not understand self respect, pride, responsibility, accountability and most of all character. Bob woolmer and his death signifies all of the above and much more. It provides lesson to us dimwits that ultimate accountability lies within and not without. The man paid it with his life - I for one salute him for his integrity, dignity and character, which he already showed just being the saner part of this malfunctioning corrupt setup.

We talk about rolling heads, like hydra they will reappear. Probably, solution lies in self-capitulation, self-accountibility and owning responsibility. This can only be acheived by tendering resignations and vowing never to be part of any setup where you cant add value.

i m completely out of my senses, he is a big loss to cricket and it seems that he also could not bear the pain provided to him by this RUBBISH PAKISTANI team. He took up a challenge and they(Pakistani Team) failed him and he could not stand it. It must have got up to him. Some players from this team should b fired. Inzamam should b toled to go on TABLEEGE and give KHUTBAS. He is now only burden on the team. Kamran Akmal should be given a rest for lifetime now as we need to find a more mentally strong wicket keeper. Azhar Mehmood should be sent to england to play for counties instead, he is no more required. I agree with kamran for Afridi being the captain. But all this was out of the context. I m deeply hurt with Bob's death. It was totally unexpected. May his soul rest in peace and may ALLAH bless his soul (AMEEN)

The whole nation is so sad to hear this news. My deepest sympathies for his Family. May Allah (God) give patience to his family in these trying times. I like your sentence " his skills were wasted on Pakistan Team".

the pressure from managing the most unprofessional team in the world with the most stuck-up unprofessional players caused a great coach too much stress and pressure, he wasted his management years on pakistan cricket which is full of corruption and bad behaviour, they must share the guilt of his demise.

It was a shame as it as to see Pakistan lose to new born team that we had to hear about the sad demise of Mr. Bob Woolmer. He was a talented coach and at this point I would not be afraid to say that we are all so ashamed of our players including captain Inzimam ul Haque. The team not only led the nation down but has a huge contribution towards Mr. Woolemer's death when all he did was keep the team in its high spirits. Less did he know how they would let him down like that... I think they should be flown back to the homeland without even having to fulfill the formality of playing with Zimbabwe as
I am sure they are going to lose as well and further aggravate the millions of Paki cricket fans out there. I wonder how long they would be able to hide their faces to avoid the humiliation back home.

The nature of sincerety Bob woolmer had for his job to Pakistan cricket was evident from the fact that during all the ignominious activities of Pakistan cricket - the oval fiasco, the changing and re-changing of captains, dope scandals, insulting behaviour of shoaib akhter, and dictatorial rebuttals from inzimam - he didn't resign, he didn't let go of his job, he had promised to strive for a successful Pakistani world cup, and he tried his best; unlike our greats like Miandad and et all who would resign at matters of personal insults right before world cups and other important team pursuits. It was never for money, he could get better from England, and many a counties, he was indeed a coach in demand, deserving better apprentices than Pakistani team. Bob always saw himself as a part of the team, as a fecilitator, never above. We should collectively apologise for our behaviours, cricket pundits like zaheer abbas for taking out their personal vendettas, the Pakistan team for never bothering to learn an iota of sense from this ocean of cricketing knowledge, the newspapers for spreading maleficent rumours, and the pakistani nation for making cricket their only pursuit of excellence, their only means of collective happiness.

I can only convey my sympathies with the family of Bob Woolmer on this most tragic of occassion. What this does is only remind people that there are far more important things in life than cricket - we fans, sometimes forget this most important fact - and cannot see beyond the most recent loss, as in the case of the loss to Ireland. Cricket, after all is a game, and the amount of pressure that the coaches, players and fans put themselves under, or put others under (in the case of the fans)is so immense, that it can lead to heartbreaking consequences for all our loved nearest and dearest.

I feel really sorry for Woolmer. The poor guy paid the utmost price. May God forgive me and all others who doubted his commitment to Pakistani cricket. May his soul rest in peace after such a tragic ending to his life. My thoughts and prayer are with his family.

He was more loyal than anyone to our cricket. I think he was just unfortunate to have landed this almost impossible job of coaching the world's most shameless, unprofessional and corrupt cricketers.

His death just reminds us not to take a game so seriously after all. The human body and mind works in ways we just don't understand.

I m extremely sad that this has happened. I just dont know what else to say.

MAY his SOUL REST IN PEACE

There is no way that South Africa would be at number 1 in the world rankings were it not for Bob Woolmer and Hansie Cronje. Both are now gone. Bob should never have taken the Pakistani job - far too gentle a man, and a professor of the game to have got involved in the politics and volatility of the PCB. I send his wife and sons my heartfelt wishes. In the final analysis, they are far more important today than Inzamam, Daryl Hair, Hansie or Warwickshire. I am so so sad.

I cant even think about Pakistan's poor performance against Ireland after hearing about this. There are a lot bigger things in life. I am shocked and short for words.

Very sad and shocked by the news. I think it took the world completely by surprise. Now is not the time to discussthe teams failures but instead we should remember Bob Woolmer the way that he should be remembered..A Great Man and a Great Coach

really shocked to hear the sad news

Bob Woolmer was a good man and a great coach who devoted his life to cricket , my thoughts go out to his family.

lets us not forget all that he achieved for pakistan the series win in india agaisnt india , the series win agaisnt both england and india in pakistan ,and the series win agaisnt sri lanka and west indies not to mention how mohammed yousuf and mohammed asif matured into the greatest players pakistan have seen under bob woolmer

I believe the world cup failures was to do with the pakistan selection commitee, the scandals and controversies , injuries to key players , and the lack of heart of the pakistani batsmen as well as poor captaincy, the pakistani batsmens let down a whole nation and let down their coach , it may be time for alot of our current players and pakistani management to drop out

This will definately be remembered as the worst period in the history of pakistani cricket but it can only go up and pakistan cricket will recover and become a force once again ..... inshallah

To all the pakistani and cricket media and all you fanatic fans who ultimately caused the death of one of the greatest coaches ever remember ..........its just a game!

Bob paid the ultimate price for Pakistan cricket, condolances to his family. I hope the public will let him rest in peace and not criticise him in this time of tragedy for those who thought Bob didn't give 100% for the Pakistan team they have very sadly been proved wrong. I put the blame of Bob's death 100% on the Pakistan cricket setup including the gutless performance of the players.
Rest in peace Bob the entire cricketing world will sorely miss you!

I am shocked as the whole cricketing world is, I for only feel for his family, as I have experienced a shock of losing them on October 8th Earthquake in Margalla Towers, so suddenly. And being able to relate to it I pray for his family's strength in such a time. It is saddening, very saddening, but one's time has already been decreed before they even come to this world. Pakistan Cricket does actually owe a lot to him, sure there have been defeats, last one was truly shameful and critisizable, however some of the wins have been quite memorable as well. And I previously in the open letter responded by targetting the PCB for the shameful exit, not Inzi, not Bob. I pray for him and his family.

I am a huge fan of Pakistan cricket, and often feel ashamed of how the people of this country are so fickle. Whether the team wins or loses the reactions are much exaggerated.

I feel really sorry for Woolmer and his family. He was just a coach, and I shed a few tears for a tragic and depressing death. I can only imagine the toll the loss took on him, and the whole thing is so difficult to swallow.

When I heard the news I just couldn't believe it. I still half expect to wake up from this.

I don't think the blame fell on the coach or the captain. It fell on the selectors for being so fickle with the selection.

This whole thing is really depressing. My thoughts are with Bob's family.

What a terrible tragedy for the Woolmer family and the wider cricket world.
This world cup will now always be remembered for this tragic event and sadly it will overshadow the marvellous victory for Ireland that preceded it. I am sure that Bob Woolmer, despite how badly it made him feel personally, will have been full of congratulations for the Ireland team and I suspect that he would not want his death to overshadow their success.
My condolences, doubtless in agreement with all cricket players from every level of the game, are with Bob Woolmer's family at this dreadful time for them.

First of all, Pakistan being knocked out of the World Cup is not that important as the death of a professional, hardworking, never givingup attitude Bob Woolmer. I think this is a more big loss to Pakistan Cricket than losing the World Cup. And Kamran I do agree with you that PCB never gave Woolmer the necassary tools to make Pakistan the best but he fought alone and still gave us good results from the Pakistan Team. But I pray for Bob Woolmers family to guide them through this terrible and shocking tragedy. As you can see this man Bob Woolmer gave up his life for Pakistan Cricket cause I am sure the shocking defeat against Ireland and being knocked out of the World Cup really hurt him inside and he could not live on with the fact of Pakistan being kicked out of WC so it took his life. But once again, I think the great Pakistani legends who criticized Bobs abilities before should never have done that and today when he passes away they come out saying he was a great man, and etc. Why cant they say these things when he was alive, thats why Pakistan is behind in everything. You need to provide support while there is still time and not when its too late. God Bless Bob Woolmer and my prayers to the Pakistan team that inshallah they will be back for what there known for. Pakistan Zindabad.

First of all my deepest sympathies to the family of Late Bob Woolmer. I do not have the words to describe how i felt when i heard the news. The thing that came to my mind right away when i saw that he was hopitalized was that i hoped its not due to the shock he took yesterday. And i guess it ended up to be that shock that eventually took his life. I think that he was an honest and very hard working man but unfortunately he ended up in the wrong setup of Pakistan cricket. I still believe that he did bring a lot to Pakistan cricket. He should always be remembered as a great coach of Pakistan team. After this i hope the Subcontinental fans and the media should realize that its only a game. Yes criticize the players and coaches but it should always be positive criticism. If you think that they shouldnt be playing write it and say it. Dont go on burning peoples house and asking for people to be arrested. It puts a lot of pressure on them. I cant help myself feel bad for Inzamam. I dont know what is he going through? Yes he should retire Yes the team should have a lot of changes but please i plead to all the fans stay calm and do positive criticism. I dont know how will the players play after such shocking two days. The ICC should cancel Zimbabwe game and award points to Zimbabwe. In the end its a very very sad day for Pakistan cricket. For future i think Mr Nasim Ashraf has to go and a former and expereinced test cricket should be made the chairman. Coaching should go to Wasim Akram as i think he is a natural leader. The captaincy should go to Afridi without a doubt.

Sad demise of a great man.

Bob was too good of a coach for Pakistan. He was very much sincere to the game unlike the players of the team. He had the REAL coaching stuff in him. He was a great guy. I personally think that the poor performance of Pakistan against Ireland had a HUGE part to play in his unfortunate death. But MAY HE REST IN PEACE FOREVER.

Oh man, complete sadnes....I just wrote a letter to Bob this morning expecting a reply soon, completely shocking. Pakistan cricket is in complete turmoil, we have a stupid chairman....fire him please because of his policies that are at all causes compleyar tely irrelevant to the game of Cricket, Bring back Shahryar Khan.

RIP Bob Woolmer, I wonder who has the balls to take up the job now! Hmmmmmm Interesting, what are your thoughts Kamran?

It has been a great shock, when I heard this news i was so shocked but when in this article you said ultimately he failed in pakistan as a coach, I completely disagreee with it, he won so manyy series as a pakistani coach and bring us from #6 to #3 in both form of games, every coach and team go though a bad patch and unluckily for us it was in world cup but I have nothin but have alot of respect Bob Woolmer. He Was an Awesome Coach.

Yup,It's sad news .I still can't believe it .

I agree with Kamran's views.
The Man was & should be Bigger than the Game.......While we may not agree with Bob's tactics or approach as coaching Pak cricketers would never have been easy at best.
Condolences to his family & May he rest in peace.

Sports in the 21st centuary is more then just sports . Its a Billion dollar industry and buisness. When u have companies in vesting millions in yo they expect you to deliver , Once you dont they control the media to blame it all on the players and coaches to get there brand away from the team . Happens everywhere , The most hated brand last night in pakistan was pepsi due to its add with the team , next morning pepsi had to change it , buy planning a strategy to play the blame game .

We as desi, are obessed with cricket , and we get so lost in our emotions that we cross the line . Yes we need to change our cricket, yes there are problems with our systems , yes our team is bymch of fundoz as in mullahs , but no game or match in the world is more then life . Bob i can say gave his life to this game , not many " goras left in the world " who would actually move to pakistan . Bob will be missed , and i sincerly hope that are supposed sports journalists never forget that at the end of the day its a game and some ones life .

Bob great man to lose , cricket has lost a fighting man .

Rip

In my opinion, Bob Woolmer was the best coach Pakistan could have gotten. He did so much for the Pakistan team. I mainly hold... actually i completely hold the PCB responsible for everything that has been happening and it all started when Nasim Ashraf became the chairman. After that point it has been downhill. I hope he leaves his post as soon as possible. As long as their is politics in Pakistan cricket, we cant expect to get anywhere. I also send my condolences to Mr. Woolmer's family. I was very pleased with what he had done. Only if others had believed in him also.

I agree that his talent was wasted on a team incapable of making the most of it. But then he always did like a challenge. Perhaps this was one challenge too many. He was a wonderful, motivated, dedicated coach and one of the nicest guys in world cricket. It is a sad, sad day and has cast a dark shadow upon the world cup, which suddenly seems utterly meaningless.
My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
RIP Mr. Bob Woolmer.

May he rest in peace. No one can doubt all that he has done for Pakistan cricket.

A great loss to the world cricket. Loss of a great coach and a man of his principles. He will be sorely missed. Thank you Bob for your contribution to the game of cricket.
Being a Pakistani I am really sorry as you did not get the level of respect and recognition you deserved as a Pakistan coach. May your soul rest in peace!

You are right. It is indeed the failure of Pakistan Cricket system and not Bob's and it is the death of Pakistan Cricket and not Bob's. Thanks to Bob for atleast trying to improve the state of our cricket.

This is really bad news, may Bob rest in piece. Dont care what anyone says he has done so much for the Pakistan team and it should be appreciated. It was a game so what if we lost we was outplayed but no-one should wish this for a guy to die, poor BOB RIP.

Does our passion for the game creates pressure for the players and the caoches?

What happened today is a very dark day in cricket and probably the worst 24 hours ever in Pakistan's cricket history. A 58 year old man who gave his life to cricket died because of cricket too.

What comes to my mind is, is is it worth dying for? Do we take it a lot more seriosly then we should. Teams like Australia, South Africa and New zealand perform alot better. But for subcontinental teams it just a matter of life and death.

Pakistan lost. And they did it in a very shameful way, but the bottomline is that they all gave thier 100%. I am sure they tried thier best and things like that happen. One team has to face shame for another to achieve glory.

We Indians and Pakistanis have to change this. Giving these cricketers god-like status when they win and burn thier houses when they lose. These guys are ordinary people like us, with extra ordinary cricketing abilities, but a heart, nerves and brain just like us. THEY ARE HUMAN. Bound to make errors.

Inzimam who was the national hero a week ago became a villain within hours. Yes we lost the world cup under him but isnt he responsible for a WC win too.

I am sorry Bob, he actually responded to 4 of my emails when i use t post on his web sie. He advised me to shorten my run up to 12 yards instead of running in fat and the very next game i took 4 wickets.
Thank you Bob, i always supported and i know you gave everything you had to this team, i guess we wernt destined to win. But its becauseof you we saw days likethe 2-0 victory over England and the great tour of India in 2005.

I dont know wbout others, but i really feel like i lost somone. What you did for cricket will never be forgotten, in your life you taught how to play this game, but with your death you gave a much more important lesson, that no game or hobby or sport is more valuable than life itself.

Rest in peace Robert Woolmer. May Allah bless you for your good deeds and forgive all your sins.
inalillah e wa ni allah he rajaeoon

What a great loss to world of cricket as Bob was great thinker of the game of cricket. I am incredible shock to hear this news. Bob has left a legacy of cricket and he will be remembered for his services to England, South Africa and Pakistan cricket. I send my condolences to his family.

its extremely sad when a man dies doing the job he loved, especially when it is a game and a hobby as well. to the effigy burners who called for his head i hope this sticks to you like glue and you never forget it. as Pakistan coach, an cricket coaches in general, right and wrong moves would face hostility from different areas. this man died all for the love of a country's cricket team, and was lambasted for a loss

Bob has been GREAT always ever. Rameez Raja said Bob even asked the Cris Broad why so much grass had been left behind on the picth for teh match with Ireland. Ireland were behind the overrate even in the 46th over, why were they not fined any match fee when Pakistan was fined by Cris Broad. Is this descrimination. This seems to have been going on for long with Afridi too being banned for an of the field issue. These things too add unwanted pressure on the team, cause the heart aches as seen vivdly in the case of Bob. People must understand this for the better ment of the game, God it's just a Game, invented for pleasure, if it takes the life of people for pressure, it ain't worth it, Things need to be put into perspective.All must do well on the field, give their best as we all feel & that's all there is to it, no heart breaks, We feel so pained by the great Bob's not being there with us, Oh God , Wish we had our eyes open earlier.
BRING BACK THAT LOVING FEELING, OH THAT LOVING FEELING, IT IS NEEDED THAT GOOD FEELING, BROTHERHOOD, UNITY, LOVE , HENCE SUCCESS

Great tribute Kamran.

This is a tragedy that should at the very least provide perspective. If the worst thing Pakistanis feel at the moment is in regard to their team's loss against Ireland, then clearly they haven't learnt anything, and Bob Woolmer's memory doesnt mean anything to them. This is a timely reminder that after all the media beat-ups and fanaticism of the game, it remains just that- a game. Never has cricket felt more like a trivial pastime than it does right now. If lives hang in the balance, then ppl ought to reconsider how they go about their passion for following sport, and shift their priorities accordingly...

Will the pakistani team be allowed to leave Jamaica or do they have to wait till the autopsy results are out.....in case there is some foul play!

May God rest his soul in peace. It is a shocking loss. He was a winner and deserved better last memories then what our stupid Pakistani cricket team gave him.

Bob's sad demise is extremely shocking and heart breaking. May his soul rest in eternal peace. My thoughts are with his family. May Allah give them the courage and patience to absorb such an untimely shocking loss.
Bob was a man of strong character and had immense love for the game. I have tremendous respect for him for his contributions to the game of cricket in general and to Pakistani cricket in particular.
His hard work with pakistan team did not pay off. But we all know that his influence on Pakistani cricket has been very healthy. I hope he did not die thinking he had not done enough, I wish he could not know that he did what he could do. He would always be remembered as a great coach.

Yes, the defeat against ireland made me shed a tear.

Today, i can't stop crying.

This amazing man lost his life because of a stupid passion that people have for sport. Don't get me wrong, I am one of those people too.

Sport should never come to this. Sport should never cause this calamity, it is not a sport if it does.

I am sorry Bob, for my constant nagging and bickering about cricket.

Rest in peace Bob, rest in peace.

You are absolutely right Kamran, he was one guy who always accepted criticism. I often use to write him questions on his website and he would respond with fervor. I think an era in cricket coaching has ended.
The other thing i agree is that Bob was always misfit in Pakistan cricket system. I think some other team would have better utilised him. He still did a whole lot for Pakistan cricket and he will be one of the pioneer of the modern face given to Pakistan cricket. He will be (should be) remembered in the history of Pakistan cricket.
My condolences to his family and may Allah bless his soul.

Thanks
Shahid.

Bob Woolmer aka Legend R.I.P

When i met him in leicestershire i loved talking to him, all that mattered to him was cricket, tactics and his family. He was a legend for South Africa & Warwickshire. He brought his brilliance to Pakistan winning series against England, Sri Lanka, India.

I believe that Pakistan did not do justice to his coaching talent. This man will be missed by everyone, people can berate him how much they like in Pakistan, he will always have my respect. As a person he was down to earth never said anything against anyone.

YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR LOVING MEMORIES! R.I.P

Bob woolmer will be missed. One of the best coaches the game has ever produced.

May his soul rest in peace.

im extremely, extremely saddened on this shocking news. i had massive respect and support for him.. pakistan players must be ashamed of themselves along with whole PCB system that they failed to capitalise on this geart mean's abilities and cunningness of cricket, if pak's performance is trhe reason behind his death.. of course only ALLAH knows best about the reason but one can only think to his best. it all looks gloom now.. may ALLAH bless his soul, AMEEEN SUM AMEEN.

Bob Woolmer was probably the best coach in the world. His ability and passion were wasted on our incorrigible players and thankless fans. May he rest in peace.

A sad day indeed, Mr.woolmer was one of those rare souls who contributed to the game apart from just playing it, its a reminder to all of us fans that its just a game at the end of the day and there are more important things in life

Although pakistan has done this thing, personally bob woolmer himself was a great coach. thats different pakistan players dont get it but he tried to change things but i tihnk he could'nt bear the loss of pakistan to ireland. he was a great guy and i tihnk pakistan players should find themselves responsivle for it

No one deserves what happened to him. Sometimes we all can forget that it's just a game. For a while bob managed to bring out the best in our boys and I suppose that's all you can ask for. Our thoughts and prayers should be with his family now.

Pakistan's World Cup Campaign started on a bad note but the end has been even worse. The early exit from the world cup was a huge blow and coupled with the tragic loss of Woolmer, the situation has only spiralled out of control.I personally feel extremely sad for Woolmer.His dedication and efforts in tandem with the immeasurable talent that the Pakistan team possesses could've converted Pakistan into a true world beating team.The intra-team politics and controversies that were always right around the corner finally took their toll.The workload of the modern cricketer has certainly increased manifold and international cricket is quite hard by itself.Off the field issues can only make it worse.I'll take the liberty of blaming those members of the Pakistan cricket team who indulged in politics, never respected Woolmer and the Pakistan Cricket Board for driving the final nail in Woolmer's coffin. For once, the PCB and the Cricket team were in full cooperation since Woolmer took over. God Bless Woolmer and May Providence Shine Upon the Pakistan cricket team and the PCB and bless all and sundry with common sense, dedication and self-respect.Woolmer failed to instill any of these traits!Let's hope for the best!

i am shocked and sad....

He was a good coach-- a stark contrast to the PCB, the captain; Bob wasn't domineering, he just wanted to guide Inzamam. He didn't make decisions for Inzamam, but let Inzamam learn to make decisions himself. Ironically, the captain took an attitude opposite towards his players, as was the case with the PCB. Our loss was because of Inzamam's shortcomings, PCB's shortcomings, and our own habbit of "hoping" for the best rather than putting pressure to change the captain and the players to pre-empt the fact before it occurs. No point being bitter afterwards, we should never have supported a negative captain.
God bless Bob, a great person he was.

I'm so sorry for everything. I'm really so depressed. I hope one day we win the world cup and dedicate it to the man who gave his life to Pak cricket.

"cuz all of the stars are fading away
just try not to worry, you'll see them someday
just take what you need.. and be on your way" - Oasis

A sad day.

I fully agree with Kamran's comments about Bob Woolmer.I wondered how Mr.Woolmer agreed to coach a highly dysfunctional team as the Pakistanis.It is not because of him they are out of world cup.The lazy and arrogant players who are self centered are responsible.Even Imran can not save this bunch of characters.

When no person wanted to coach the Pakistan national side. Only one man with the guts stood up. Knowing the final out some would probably be a sacking like all the past coaches, he took the hardest challenge in world cricket. Coach Pakistan, not coach India but Pakistan the best players in the world with no direction.

Its really sad news for cricket. This shows his passion for the game and his sincerity, although his sincerity didnt work for Pakistan that this shows how much eager he was for pakistani win. In an interview when England came to Pakistan he said "Im a pakistani, i live in pakistan, i will die as a Pakistani and i will be burried in Pakistan" and yes he died as a Pakistani today.

Kamran! I am deeply saddened with the death of Bob Woolmer. Only Pakistan cricket could drive someone to such heart ache. I feel sorry for his family. I believe you do not do justice to his memory. He did take over an impossible job but he managed well. Failure of team reflects upon the coach and i believe he felt the shame. There is only so much one can take, starting from Oval last year to the spiritless performance against Ireland. I feel sorry that his family will remember cause of death not a heart attack, but Pakistan Cricket. Such a shame. If only Inzi and rest of the team felt such pressure of commitment and responsibility. May his soul rest in peace.

No words can highlight the sunlight of Bob. PCB should name one of the regular events or a place e.g. academy, to tribute his contributions.

Yes I totally agree that Inzamam is the main reason behind this current debacle of Pakistani cricket and her performance in WC07. Well, Bob was a gentleman to feel this pressure and in the end he could not cope it no more; and lost his life. I sympathize with his family and other millions of lovers of cricket. I hope few people should feel ashamed (at-least) of their stupidities and do something. I am not gonna go ask people to committ suicide since it is HARAM in our faith, but strongly demand that INZY should right away resign along with few board officils.

I hope we play few ODIs and give the income to Bob's family. Since Pakistan was directly involved with Bob's matter, Pakistani board should take up the challenge to organize these matches

Bob Woolmer's demise is a national tragedy. He should be celebrated and saluted as a national cricketing hero and the PCB and/or the Pakistan government should make sure they nationally recognize him.
He gave his life to cricket and more specifically, in the latter years to Pakistan. His sudden death is a clear proof that the man ignored caring for his own health, and even ignored all warning signs of sickness and pushed on, and did not leave Pakistan's side even in their darkest moments, and all for one cause and that was to help Pakistan succeed.
This, for me, is nothing less than the greatest sacrifice any person can offer.
A true hero!

I am shocked to hear this tragic news about Bob Wolmer. We all knew that we had wrong expectations from the Pakistani team. If the players are not willing to take responsibility and work on their weaknesses, then we cannot put the onus only on Coach. I feel bad that Bob Wolmer had to take so much pressure due to the these irresponsible players and this pressure might have played a big role in this tragic end. As a nation, we also have to have more patience for loss, as win/loss is part of sportsmanship.

Kamran, your open letter was a professional matter and something Bob would have totally respected as a true professional himself .. but you summed it up well .. "it is the persoanlity-based Pakistani culture that has failed the team more than anything else" I actually thought Bob througout his tenure was humiliated on many occasions by to players and officials not to mention many ex-players who jelously always referred to his high pay-roll .. now nothing matters .. He left us tragically and our thoughts are with his families at this hour of grief. Rest in Peace Bob and thanks for all you have done for Pakistan cricket ..

Mr. Abbasi:
I would like to use your blog as a means to highlight the apathetic and crude reaction of one of our nation's notable "journalists" to this tragic event. As a cricket fan, as a Pakistani and as a human being I am absolutely disgusted with Hamid Mir's statement (made during the Indian TV Channel Headlines Today special broadcast on Bob Woolmer's death) that Bob Woolmer will be remembered as an unsuccessful coach and the Pakistan cricket board will think twice before hiring a "GORA COACH" in the future. Such racist, illiterate and ignorant people perform a disservice to the whole nation and should be barred from such a noble profession. I apologize to Mr. Woolmer's family on behalf of our entire nation and express my sincere condolences for their loss. I would also like to make a plea to Geo TV and all other media that they should ensure that journalists of such low caliber should NEVER be allowed to represent Pakistan on a national or international forum. Finally, I echo Mr. Abbasi's view that Bakwas is Bakwas whether in English or Urdu and we should ensure that such bakwas is not used to insult and ridicule a man who gave his life for a game that we are all passionate about. As a first step to improving Pakistan’s image in the international community, PCB should take action against Hamid Mir and send a message to the entire world that such ungrateful people represent a very small minority of the Pakistani people.

Bob,s sudden death is a great loss, i am also in shock about the news. May Allaha have mercy on his soul.

Bob Woolmer without any doubt was the best coach in the world and he proved that with South Africa. As far as Pakistan is concerned I think they have lost an excellent opportunity to learn from the best in the game. Bad luck for Pakistan. God bless Bob Woolmer.

Bob was in love with cricket. His love had gone towards Pakistan cricket way. If any, he was the biggest fan of the Pakistan team along side his responsibilities! As a fan, it was never going to be easy to get over the team's underperformance!!! He, sadly, could not just get over it. He did every thing that he could for the cricket as well as Pakistan cricket.He was very honest with his job and did every thing in his power to transform his vision to the team!!! It is a great loss to the world of cricket, and for the world of sports for that matter. We will remember him as a true professional who gave his life to his job - cricket.