This is an archive article published on July 22, 2024
If Woolmer had remained head coach, Pakistan cricket would have reached great heights: Younis Khan
Woolmer who was 58 at that time, was found dead in his hotel room in Jamaica a few hours after Pakistan were knocked out of the 2007 World Cup after a loss to Ireland.
Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan said that had Bob Woolmer, the late national head coach, been alive, the country’s cricket would have reached great heights.
Woolmer who was 58 at that time, was found dead in his hotel room in Jamaica a few hours after Pakistan were knocked out of the 2007 World Cup after a loss to Ireland.
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His death was later ruled due to natural causes after the Pakistan Cricket Board and the government sent their own security officials to the Caribbean to work with the Jamaican police.
“I have no doubt that if Woolmer had remained head coach, Pakistan cricket would have been very different today, and he would have taken it to great heights,” said Younis on a Pakistani TV channel.
“I was very close to Bob (Woolmer) and it was our daily routine to sit down together after a match or nets to discuss cricket. Unfortunately the night he passed away, we didn’t sit together as we had lost to Ireland. I was also out for a duck and was very upset with myself. So, I went to my room and locked myself in. Next day, I didn’t see him at breakfast and later we learnt about his death,” Younis said
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Khan also revealed that after the death of Woolmer, the players were moved to another island where they were questioned for three days by the local police.
“It was like a torture for us there. While I fully understand the responsibilities a player has to show as an ambassador of his country, it should be the other way round… authorities must also look after us,” he added.
Bob Woolmer with Younis Khan. (Express File) 
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