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Younis Khan, the legendary Pakistani batter, has shed light on a harrowing experience following the death of Bob Woolmer, the Pakistan cricket coach, in 2007. Notably, Woolmer was found unconscious in his hotel room in Jamaica shortly after Pakistan’s unexpected exit from the ODI Cricket World Cup. His death, initially shrouded in suspicion, was later ruled natural causes.
The aftermath of Bob Woolmer’s passing
In a recent interview, Younis described the aftermath of Woolmer’s passing as ‘torturous’ for the Pakistani team. Younis stated that Woolmer could have elevated the Pakistan cricket team to new heights. He also disclosed that following Woolmer’s death, the players were moved to a different island and interrogated by the Jamaican authorities for three days.
“It was like a torture for us there. While I fully understand the responsibilities a player has to show as an ambassador of his country, it should be the other way round… authorities must also look after us,” said Younis while speaking to a Pakistani TV channel.
The relationship between Younis and Woolmer
Younis expressed his close relationship with Woolmer, highlighting their daily routine of discussing cricket after matches or practice sessions. However, on the night of Woolmer’s death, Younis did not join him as usual because he was deeply upset over Pakistan’s loss to Ireland and his own poor performance, having been dismissed for a duck. Distraught, Younis isolated himself in his room. The following morning, Woolmer’s absence at breakfast was noted, and it was later revealed that he had passed away.
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“I was very close to Bob (Woolmer) and it was our daily routine to sit down together after a match or nets to discuss cricket. Unfortunately, the night he passed away, we didn’t sit together as we had lost to Ireland. I was also out for a duck and was very upset with myself. So, I went to my room and locked myself in. Next day, I didn’t see him at breakfast and later we learnt about his death,” added Younis.
Speculation and controversy surrounding Woolmer’s death
Notably, Woolmer’s death sparked widespread speculation and controversy. Initial reports suggested that he might have been murdered, with theories ranging from match-fixing conspiracies to foul play by disgruntled fans or associates. The Jamaican police conducted a thorough investigation, initially treating the death as suspicious. However, after several months of inquiry, including an inquest and multiple autopsies, the case was eventually closed with the conclusion that Woolmer died of natural causes, specifically from heart failure.
