Pakistan observes memorial service for Woolmer

Lahore, Apr 1 (UNI) Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq and PCB chief Nasim Ashraf led cricketers and dignitaries in paying glowing tributes to murdered coach Bob Woolmer at a sombre memorial service here today.

Inzamam led seven team-mates among the 400-odd mourners at the Sacred Heart Church and along with officials lit candles and laid floral wreaths at a portrait of the late Englishman, who was found death at his hotel room in Kingston in Jamaica on March 18.

Archbishop of Lahore Reverend Lawrence Saldanha, who led the prayers in the hour-long service, said Woolmer was a kind and gentle person who won the hearts of his players who looked up to him as a second father.

''We pay tribute to his excellent qualities. He was known for his passionate interest in cricket. We salute him for his professional competency, as well as his sense of responsibility and commitment,'' Saldanha said in the prayers.

Inzamam was accompanied by Salman Butt, Imran Nazir, Shoaib Malik, Mohammed Asif, Mohammed Hafeez and Kamran Akmal.

''Woolmer was an excellent coach and above all things was an excellent human being,'' the outgoing captain said.

''After Woolmer's family, the Pakistan team was the most aggrieved by his death,'' Inzamam added.

Ashraf lit candles and along with Punjab governor Khalid Maqbool laid wreaths on behalf of President Pervez Musharraf around Woolmer's portrait.

The PCB chief described Woolmer's death ''a terrible tragedy'' and said he was a ''rock of stability'' who lived for cricket and loved the sport.

''He was the first modern coach of cricket. The world will follow his method and teachings,'' Ashraf added.

UNI