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| March 20, 2007 | Tuesday | Safar 30, 1428 |
Grieving players remember a father figure
KINGSTON, March 19: Pakistani cricketers on Monday joined the cricket world in mourning the death of their coach Bob Woolmer, remembered as a fatherly figure by captain Inzamam-ul-Haq and his team-mates.
“Woolmer was a fatherly figure to all of us and we have lost our greatest supporter,” said Inzamam of the 58-year-old coach who died on Sunday.
Since joining the Pakistan team in July 2004, Woolmer had dug deep in transforming an inconsistent and split Pakistan team into a united fighting unit.
“We owe him a great salute and would like to do anything his family wants from us,” said Inzamam, who also pledged to carry the coffin of the late coach to South Africa where his last rites will be held.
Pakistan were dumped out of the World Cup after losing their second match to outsiders Ireland by three wickets on Saturday, a defeat which badly hurt Woolmer.
“We had two tragic events in the last two days. We had yet to cope with the defeat and our ouster from the World Cup — then a bigger tragedy came about,” said Inzamam.
Inzamam on Sunday announced he would retire from one-day cricket after the one-dayer against Zimbabwe on Wednesday — a match dedicated to the coach — before Pakistan team head back home.
Vice-captain Younis Khan said he had a friendly relationship with Woolmer.
“He was a friend of all the players. I used to call his wife, Gill, mom so he used to tease her that I am their third son,” reminisced Younis, who in the last 18 months has lost his father, sister and two brothers in a series of tragedies.
“I know how it feels when you lose your close ones. Bob used to help each and every player and he has left a big void in Pakistan cricket,” said Younis, who is now expected to take over as captain from Inzamam.
All-rounder Shahid Afridi, banned from the first two matches for violating the ICC code of conduct, said Woolmer was like a father to him.
“Bob always treated me and other players as his sons. He would help any player who was in difficulty and he was the best coach under whom I have played,” said Afridi.—AFP
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