Mark Planamente
NormWorld Cup Mourns Progressive Coach
March 19th 2007 13:13
As the ICC World Cup gives us a number of surprises day in and out, no one was expecting the shock that went around the cricketing world today as news broke that Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer had died overnight.
Woolmer was found in his hotel room unconscious after his side was bundled out of the World Cup due to a surprise loss to Ireland. Whilst the cause of death has not been determined yet, rumours are flying around that it was brought on from a mix of prescription drugs and alcohol.
The coach of Pakistan was last seen at the post match conference after the Ireland match, and despite talking about the ‘stress of coaching’, he seemed to be upbeat, even commentating to the Pakistan team about changes to the squad, and about speaking to the chairman.
Bob Woolmer played in 19 Test for England, and was also the coach for South Africa from 1994-1999.
The news has brought a sense of shock to World Cup. Whilst their were many comments about how the Pakistan supporters, who are known for their absolute fanaticism towards the game, would respond to their side being bundled out of contention so early, no one was expecting that it would result with such a tragic loss of life.
The Pakistan squad have understandably been shaken up by the news, so much that captain Inzamam ul-Haq announced his departed from the limited overs game. Inzamam had grown strong bonds with the coach over his tenue, and it is thought that after the shock exit and loss of such a strong figure, that he could not ever play to the same stature as before.
Woolmer has considered a strong coach around the cricketing world, and was considered a pioneer in moving the game into the 21st century by proclaiming the use of computers in cricket. His contract with Pakistan was due to expire at the end of June, and he was considered as one of the fore runners for the England coaching position.
The entire World Cup community are in shock after his death, and many players from all nations have given their consulations. Andrew Walpole, spokesman for the English squad, summed up the thought of the coach worldwide by saying “He was a figure who commanded great respect within world cricket and he will be sorely be missed.”
Pakistan have their final match in the World Cup against Zimbabwe on Wednesday, and whilst the match was considered a rubber due both sides considered out of contention, it will now take a whole new meaning as Pakistan will play for both their retired captain, and their departed coach.
At a time where many squads are fighting to find a new coach to take them to the heights of Test and one day cricket, it is a true tragedy when one leaves us in such a tragic manner.
Until next time, sporting minds.
Woolmer was found in his hotel room unconscious after his side was bundled out of the World Cup due to a surprise loss to Ireland. Whilst the cause of death has not been determined yet, rumours are flying around that it was brought on from a mix of prescription drugs and alcohol.
The coach of Pakistan was last seen at the post match conference after the Ireland match, and despite talking about the ‘stress of coaching’, he seemed to be upbeat, even commentating to the Pakistan team about changes to the squad, and about speaking to the chairman.
Bob Woolmer played in 19 Test for England, and was also the coach for South Africa from 1994-1999.
The news has brought a sense of shock to World Cup. Whilst their were many comments about how the Pakistan supporters, who are known for their absolute fanaticism towards the game, would respond to their side being bundled out of contention so early, no one was expecting that it would result with such a tragic loss of life.
The Pakistan squad have understandably been shaken up by the news, so much that captain Inzamam ul-Haq announced his departed from the limited overs game. Inzamam had grown strong bonds with the coach over his tenue, and it is thought that after the shock exit and loss of such a strong figure, that he could not ever play to the same stature as before.
Woolmer has considered a strong coach around the cricketing world, and was considered a pioneer in moving the game into the 21st century by proclaiming the use of computers in cricket. His contract with Pakistan was due to expire at the end of June, and he was considered as one of the fore runners for the England coaching position.
The entire World Cup community are in shock after his death, and many players from all nations have given their consulations. Andrew Walpole, spokesman for the English squad, summed up the thought of the coach worldwide by saying “He was a figure who commanded great respect within world cricket and he will be sorely be missed.”
Pakistan have their final match in the World Cup against Zimbabwe on Wednesday, and whilst the match was considered a rubber due both sides considered out of contention, it will now take a whole new meaning as Pakistan will play for both their retired captain, and their departed coach.
At a time where many squads are fighting to find a new coach to take them to the heights of Test and one day cricket, it is a true tragedy when one leaves us in such a tragic manner.
Until next time, sporting minds.
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