Woolmer rues total dominance of seniors in last e-mail

Karachi, Mar 29 (UNI) Late Pakistan cricket coach Bob Woolmer had blamed the team's hierarchy system where youngsters are pressurised and neglected while seniors domianted the proceedings, as the main factor for the team's flop show.

In his last e-mail addressed to the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Dr Nasim Ashraf, Woolmer highlighted the causes and said unless the board works on eradicating these, it would be difficult for Pakistan to match the best teams in the world.

''As a few senior players totally dominate, it becomes increasingly difficult for the juniors to give their best. These juniors play under pressure,'' Woolmer had stated.

Mr Ashraf, who appeared before the Senate Committee on Sports on Tuesday highlighted these points saying,''He (Woolmer) had mentioned remedial measures for the uplift of the game in Pakistan and said that the system should be adopted where youngsters could be able to perform to the best of their abilities.'' Woolmer also reportedly apologised for not being able to guide Pakistan to World Cup success.

The PCB chairman was also quoted as saying by 'The News' that Woolmer had stated in the e-mail that ''Most of the players have got a poor education level and that also is a big hurdle in their mental grooming. They do not comprehend things easily and have no vision to look forward.'' The Indian-born coach had also raised question marks over players' commitment to fitness and their professional approach.

''A more professional approach is required from players especially when it comes to maintaining fitness. Pakistan players do not devote much time to fitness. They also lack professional approach in everything they do,'' Woolmer mentioned.

Dr Ashraf lauded Woolmer as being a true supporter of Pakistan cricket who did his best to make a difference. ''We lost a family member and we want to get into the roots of what had happened to him. We have asked all possible help and support to the Jamaican authorities in digging out the truth,'' he said.

To a question raised by Senator Enver Baig, the PCB chairman said the Pakistan team was questioned like every other individual that were staying at hotel Pegasus.

''DNA tests on West Indies captain Brian Lara and coach Clive Lloyd were also conducted by the Jamaican authorities as both were staying at the same hotel,'' he said.

He also promised the Senate committee to make all the assistance available to a team member or members if they were recalled for questioning. ''If the Jamaican authorities decide to recall any member of the Pakistan team, he would be accompanied by a PCB lawyer,'' Mr Ashraf added.

The PCB chief said he would attend the final rituals of Woolmer in South Africa. ''We are in constant touch with his family as Woolmer was a very important member of the team,''he reiterated.

UNI