Pakistan cricket coach Woolmer dead

Port-of-Spain: Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer died in hospital yesterday after being found unconscious in his hotel room.

"I have to announce with great sadness that Woolmer has passed away. Doctors have pronounced him dead," Pakistan team spokesman Parvez Mir was quoted by Reuters as saying.

Woolmer, 58, had seen his team crash out of the World Cup on Saturday after a shock defeat by Ireland.

The former England batsman was made coach of Pakistan in June 2004.

The job of coaching the national team of the cricket-crazy country is considered one of the most pressured in the sport. His contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board was due to expire on June 30 but it was expected he would part company after the World Cup ends on April 28.

"I would like to sleep on my future as a coach," Woolmer said in Saturday's post-match news conference.

'Demanding job'

Reacting to the death, Indian coach Greg Chappell told Gulf News: "It's sad. This shows how demanding a job like this can be. I am sad that Pakistan is in such a position and it has contributed to Woolmer's demise."

Credited with pioneering the use of computers in cricket, Woolmer's adventurous ways also helped South Africa become a formidable team.

- With additional inputs from agencies

Woolmer's demise is a great loss to the cricket. A man who build South Africa and now was on his way to make Pakistan on the same level. Its really unfortunate. God bless his soul.
Vikram
Dubai,U.A.E

He was a great man. His death is really shocking.
Saba
Dubai,UAE

Bob Woolmer's death is a sad loss to the cricketing world. I have always regarded Bob Woomler as a true sportsman and a great cricketer. From whatever I have read about him, he always seemed to be a wonderful and honest human. He worked hard with the Pakistan players (who are brilliant individually) and tried hard teaching them to play as a team, something that he never managed to accomplish until the very end.
David
Sharjah,UAE

It's really shocking news for all cricket lovers. In Cricket, Who plays well wins the match. He was not doubt a great and friendly coach. World top teams will always remember his contribution to modern cricket.
Rehan
Dubai,UAE

This is very sad news. Coming from Ireland we were very happy about our team beating Pakistan. This has taken some of the good out of it. May he rest in peace.
Martin
Dublin,Ireland

In my opinion, coaches like Bob Woolmer are rare. A coach who had much love for his team that he can even sacrifice his life. This morning when it came to my knowledege I was choked.
Yash Anwar
Dubai,UAE

His sudden demise is really very very upsetting and it show how much dedication he has for his team. Shame on the Pakistan team who run on money, no winning spirit, no patriotism.
SJ
Dubai,UAE

He was a great person who lifted the team of South Africa to its peak he was one of the greatest coaches and the cricketing world is going to miss him.
Sandeep
Ambala,India

I was not yet over the shock defeat by the Irish, and here comes another major shock. Woolmer in no way can be blamed for what hapened. It's really sad that he is now no more. I feel, his death was out of shock, depression and embarassment which was brought to him, the management and the entire nation of Pakistan by the team's pathetic performance.
Sara
Dubai,UAE

Salam, I am really disheartened to hear about the death of Woolmer. He has a big big heart. As a human today I'm feeling very bad and off my duty. I will never froget this incident and my memories of Woolmer.
Wasim
Dubai,UAE

Bob Wolmer's death. The utmost shock to the cricket fraternity. The worst thing any one could have ever imagined has happened. He gave his life for cricket. A warm hearted person and a marvelous coach. May his soul rest in peace and may Allah give strength to his family and friends to get through this irrepairable loss.
Sana
Dubai,UAE

This very shocking news for all cricket fans and as well as the cricket playing nations. He was very nice coach who worked very hard on the Pakistan players. All should be sacked and bring up A team as national team. May God rest his soul in peace.
Wasim
Dubai,UAE

It goes to show how pasionate Bob Woolmer was about cricket as it ultimately cost him is life. It is a black day for cricket. Woolmer gave it all for cricket and we should be thankful to him for his contribution to the game.
Omar
Abu Dhabi,UAE

I am shocked by Woolmer's death. I was shocked and disappointed when Pakistan was out of the world cup but believe me, Bob Woolmer was the last person on my mind to blame! I mean you cannot teach a team to win?! it has to come from the TEAM... I mean he was their driving force but for how long.. I pray for his soul. He didnt have to go through this for all those lazy, good for nothing players.
Sultana
Dubai,UAE

He was a great person and a coach and will always be remembered in the hearts of all the cricket-loving people.
Azam Qazi
Abu Dhabi,UAE