Pakistan pays tribute to coach Woolmer

Pakistan on Thursday paid glowing tribute to their former cricket coach Bob Woolmer on the third anniversary of his death, saying his progressive coaching made a huge impact on the game.

"On the third death anniversary of Woolmer, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wishes to pay tribute to a man who did so much for our cricket and whose progressive coaching made a huge impact on the game," the board announced.

Woolmer, 58, was found dead in his hotel room in Jamaica on March 18, 2007, one day after Pakistan was sensationally knocked out of the World Cup following a shock defeat to outsiders Ireland.

Pakistani players came under intense investigation when Woolmer's death was initially treated as murder.

Some commentators insisted Woolmer was killed to stop him blowing the whistle on illegal betting, the curse of the game in Asia. But after a detailed inquiry Jamaican police declared Woolmer had died of natural causes.

PCB said the contribution of Woolmer, who remained coach from 2004 until his death and was also a former South African coach, will never be forgotten.

"Woolmer was a distinguished cricketer and coach whose contributions to the game and especially Pakistan cricket will never be forgotten," it said.

"More importantly Woolmer was an excellent human being who enriched the lives of all those that he came in contact with.

"He is and will always be missed.

The entire Pakistan cricket community's thoughts and prayers are with the Woolmer family," PCB said. Karachi, AFP