Cricket mourns Woolmer's sudden death

Port of Spain/Islamabad/New Delhi, Mar 19 (UNI) Tributes poured in from all walks of life even as a shocked cricketing fraternity struggled to come to terms with the sudden demise of Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer.

Woolmer, 58, was found unconscious in his hotel room yesterday during the World Cup in the West Indies and later died in hospital.

The cause of death is not yet known but a heart attack is suspected.

Ahead of their do-or-die match in Port of Spain, Team India plunged into grief after hearing the news of the death of the Englishman, who traced his roots in Kanpur, India.

Many of the Indian players who knew Woolmer personally could not believe that the affable and well-respected coach was no more.

''We are deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer,'' a statement issued on behalf of captain Rahul Dravid, coach Greg Chappell and the rest of the team members said.

''Bob had a distinguished career in cricket as a player for England and a national coach for South Africa and Pakistan. He has left an indelible mark in the game that he loved and lived for,'' it said.

In Pakistan, President Parvez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz praised the coach for his dedication for the growth of the game in the country.

''Bob Woolmer had promoted the cause and game of cricket in Pakistan with dedication and single mindedness,'' they said, adding that his services to the game will be remembered for a long time.

Paceman Shoaib Akhtar, who hasn't had best of the relationship with Woolmer, described the incident as a personal loss.

''It is a huge tragedy. We are not ready to believe this has happened,'' he was quoted as saying by BBC Sports.

''I am completely shattered, and what is going to happen I don't know.

''He was a very dear man, he was a great leader and it's an unbelievable tragedy.'' Woolmer led Warwickshire to three trophies in one season in 1994 and it was during that time his protege Brian Lara scored world record 501.

The West Indian skipper was in a state of shock.

''I had a wonderful relationship with Bob at Warwickshire in 1994 and our relationship continued to grow over the years even though we sat in different dressing rooms,'' said Lara.

''He was a very focused man with a great love for the game but what shone through was the great love he had for players under his charge. Everyone meant something to him.'' More UNI