Mansoor Ahmed on the late Pakistani coach
Following their worst showing in a World Cup, Pakistani Cricketers have started arriving back home in a trickle. Despite their attempts to keep their arrivals discrete and low key, fans have jeered them in numbers at airports. On the other hand, Bob Woolmer has become a national hero. He has been taken to heart by long suffering fans as someone who was so depressed, shocked and disappointed at the disastrous defeat by Ireland that he died of heart attack. Fans wished some Pakistani Cricketers were so passionate and ashamed too. Pakistan President soon awarded Woolmer with highest honour possible for a foreigner, Sitara-e-Imtiaz.
Although, Jamaican Police believe Woolmer was strangled, lack of evidence has forced them to carry out another autopsy. Police had declared that there was no forced entry into his room, no signs of struggle, and founds deposits of vomiting in his room. So, how did he die? If he was attacked or ill, why didn’t he call for help?
Inzamam has admitted responsibility for his sides poor showing and decided to retire from ODI’s but Pakistan fans want more. Calls are growing for the PCB Chairman, Dr Ashraf, Chair of selectors, Wasim Bari and most of the team to go. I believe time has come for complete revamp of Cricket Structure in Pakistan and Imran Khan should be persuaded to take over the reins at the highest level.
India have also suffered a similar if not more shocking exit from WC. Organisers are fearing losses and TV companies dreading significant losses in revenue as 60% of cricket loving fans globally (who live in India) have lost interest. The competition itself has proved to be long, drawn-out with very few exciting games so far. Whoever eventually wins the title, the event will be remembered for the loss of a gentle giant of World Cricket, Bob Woolmer.
As for me, I am still backing Sri Lanka for glory..
