Cricket world plunged into grief, India mourn death of Woolmer

Port of Spain, Mar 19 (UNI) The cricket world plunged into grief at the sudden death of Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer of a heart attack in Kingston, Jamaica, last afternoon.

A pall of gloom descended over all the World Cup venues as the news of Woolmer's demise spread like a wildfire.

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

The stunned Indian team in a statement issued late last evening said it had been saddened to learn about the demise of the former England Test cricketer and ex-coach of the South African team.

Issued on behalf of captain Rahul Dravid, coach Greg Chappell and the rest of the team members by tour manager Sanjay Jagdale, the statement read, ''We are deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer.'' ''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.

''We extend our sincere condolences to Bob's family, friends and all members of the Pakistan cricket team at this sad time.'' Minutes before the news of Woolmer's death broke, Chappell told mediapersons that he was shocked at hearing that the 58-year-old Pakistan coach had been hospitalised.

''I know about it, and I know it's very serious. My thoughts are with the family. We all know the pressures of this job and have to deal with the darker moments in the best way possible,'' Chappell had said.

Former India coach John Wright, here as a television commentator, said he was stunned at the news. ''It's a great loss, both professionally and personally. We interacted very closely during the course of our last three series, two in Pakistan and one at home, and he was also a good friend,'' Wright said.

Many veteran sports journalists who knew Woolmer said ''his sudden death has rocked the World Cup, he was very decent human being, who always had good of the game in his heart.'' UNI