Remembering The Late Bob Woolmer

[TalhaSyed]

This Saturday will mark the 10 year anniversary since Bob Woolmer passed away in his hotel room in Jamaica.

I am sure everyone on this forum remembers that dark day in Pakistani cricket, and world cricket's history.

The heartbreaking scenes coming from the hotel as vicious rumours circled with regards to the circumstances surrounding Bob's demise.

Mushtaq Ahmed recently gave an interview in which he said:

"I remember we all cried on that day and we couldn't control our emotions. I think he was the best coach at that time."

Mushtaq's view was shared by many around the world. Inzi claimed in an interview that Bob was the Pakistani teams "Superman"

Bob did wonders for the Pakistani team and he had absolutely amazing chemistry with the boys.

He was a revolutionary coach, and someone who was constantly thinking out of the box. he was a pioneer of using technology within his coaching methods.

Gone but never forgotten - Pakistani cricket was very fortunate to have a coach like Bob Woolmer.

 

[dildildalwalla]

For a short period, Woolmer presided over a solid, if uninspiring Pakistan outfit but that all fell apart. Sadly, it all fell apart for WOolmer's health too and the ridiculous conspiracy theories that surrounded his death did him a great disservice.

 

[Slog]

For a short period, Woolmer presided over a solid, if uninspiring Pakistan outfit but that all fell apart. Sadly, it all fell apart for WOolmer's health too and the ridiculous conspiracy theories that surrounded his death did him a great disservice.

How was it uninspiring

Our 2005-2006 squad was very exciting especially in ODIs

 

[Markhor]

The period between 2004-2006 with Woolmer-Inzamam-Shehryar at the helm was a rare spell of stability for Pakistan who had been wracked by instability and inconsistency for at least a decade.

He was criticised by some for being a "laptop coach" but his methods were innovative and his track record of player development speaks for itself. He had a good eye for talent, getting the best out of players like Rana Naved and even Rao Iftikhar, let alone the big names like Mohammad Asif, Younis Khan, Salman Butt, Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Yousuf and Inzamam-ul-Haq who enjoyed his best run of form under Woolmer.

In Tests, we beat India at home and drew with them away with what was considered one of the weakest bowling attacks we've had. We didn't lose a home Test series under his tenure which was an important feat given how weak our home record was in the 1990s and early 2000s. In ODIs, we came from 2-0 down to beat India 4-2 away in what was his finest achievement. We also beat England, West Indies home and away, and Sri Lanka away.

Sadly, things fell apart during the 2006 summer in England. After Ovalgate, Woolmer's work became a victim of the gross unprofessionalism of his board and his out of control players. Inzamam's captaincy was becoming too defensive and stubborn, whilst religious exhibitionism was at its peak. I'll never forgive Asif and Akhtar for the Nandrolone affair, and them consequently chickening out of the 2007 World Cup because they were too scared they'd fail a drug test.

Akhtar was a disgrace in this period - perennially unfit and at one point was recorded physically shoving Woolmer because that's what a real man does eh ? Attack someone over twice your age. For that tenure to end with the Ireland defeat was tragic and still hard to swallow. Watching his head slump on his hands as yet another Pakistani wicket fell that day at Sabina Park summed up the rapid descent of his team after the highs of the previous two years.

Woolmer retained his down to earth approach even during the tough spells, his analytical mind constantly at work. Not many possess the depth of cricketing knowledge that he had as his excellent book Art and Science of Cricket demonstrates and was always willing to engage with fans. He even maintained a blog here on PP where he answered questions. Cricket was his passion no matter whether he was assisting an Associate side as he did when at the ICC High Performance Centre, schoolkids making their way up the ladder, or international teams.

RIP Bob, thanks for the memories. Your work won't be forgotten.

 

[TalhaSyed]

The period between 2004-2006 with Woolmer-Inzamam-Shehryar at the helm was a rare spell of stability for Pakistan who had been wracked by instability and inconsistency for at least a decade.

He was criticised by some for being a "laptop coach" but his methods were innovative and his track record of player development speaks for itself. He had a good eye for talent, getting the best out of players like Rana Naved and even Rao Iftikhar, let alone the big names like Mohammad Asif, Younis Khan, Salman Butt, Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Yousuf and Inzamam-ul-Haq who enjoyed his best run of form under Woolmer.

In Tests, we beat India at home and drew with them away with what was considered one of the weakest bowling attacks we've had. We didn't lose a home Test series under his tenure which was an important feat given how weak our home record was in the 1990s and early 2000s. In ODIs, we came from 2-0 down to beat India 4-2 away in what was his finest achievement. We also beat England, West Indies home and away, and Sri Lanka away.

Sadly, things fell apart during the 2006 summer in England. After Ovalgate, Woolmer's work became a victim of the gross unprofessionalism of his board and his out of control players. Inzamam's captaincy was becoming too defensive and stubborn, whilst religious exhibitionism was at its peak. I'll never forgive Asif and Akhtar for the Nandrolone affair, and them consequently chickening out of the 2007 World Cup because they were too scared they'd fail a drug test.

Akhtar was a disgrace in this period - perennially unfit and at one point was recorded physically shoving Woolmer because that's what a real man does eh ? Attack someone over twice your age. For that tenure to end with the Ireland defeat was tragic and still hard to swallow. Watching his head slump on his hands as yet another Pakistani wicket fell that day at Sabina Park summed up the rapid descent of his team after the highs of the previous two years.

Woolmer retained his down to earth approach even during the tough spells, his analytical mind constantly at work. Not many possess the depth of cricketing knowledge that he had as his excellent book Art and Science of Cricket demonstrates and was always willing to engage with fans. He even maintained a blog here on PP where he answered questions. Cricket was his passion no matter whether he was assisting an Associate side as he did when at the ICC High Performance Centre, schoolkids making their way up the ladder, or international teams.

RIP Bob, thanks for the memories. Your work won't be forgotten.

Excellent and touching tribute bro! POTE worthy.

 

[Syed1]

The period between 2004-2006 with Woolmer-Inzamam-Shehryar at the helm was a rare spell of stability for Pakistan who had been wracked by instability and inconsistency for at least a decade.

He was criticised by some for being a "laptop coach" but his methods were innovative and his track record of player development speaks for itself. He had a good eye for talent, getting the best out of players like Rana Naved and even Rao Iftikhar, let alone the big names like Mohammad Asif, Younis Khan, Salman Butt, Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Yousuf and Inzamam-ul-Haq who enjoyed his best run of form under Woolmer.

In Tests, we beat India at home and drew with them away with what was considered one of the weakest bowling attacks we've had. We didn't lose a home Test series under his tenure which was an important feat given how weak our home record was in the 1990s and early 2000s. In ODIs, we came from 2-0 down to beat India 4-2 away in what was his finest achievement. We also beat England, West Indies home and away, and Sri Lanka away.

Sadly, things fell apart during the 2006 summer in England. After Ovalgate, Woolmer's work became a victim of the gross unprofessionalism of his board and his out of control players. Inzamam's captaincy was becoming too defensive and stubborn, whilst religious exhibitionism was at its peak. I'll never forgive Asif and Akhtar for the Nandrolone affair, and them consequently chickening out of the 2007 World Cup because they were too scared they'd fail a drug test.

Akhtar was a disgrace in this period - perennially unfit and at one point was recorded physically shoving Woolmer because that's what a real man does eh ? Attack someone over twice your age. For that tenure to end with the Ireland defeat was tragic and still hard to swallow. Watching his head slump on his hands as yet another Pakistani wicket fell that day at Sabina Park summed up the rapid descent of his team after the highs of the previous two years.

Woolmer retained his down to earth approach even during the tough spells, his analytical mind constantly at work. Not many possess the depth of cricketing knowledge that he had as his excellent book Art and Science of Cricket demonstrates and was always willing to engage with fans. He even maintained a blog here on PP where he answered questions. Cricket was his passion no matter whether he was assisting an Associate side as he did when at the ICC High Performance Centre, schoolkids making their way up the ladder, or international teams.

RIP Bob, thanks for the memories. Your work won't be forgotten.

Beautifully written.


The Ireland match and Bob's passing soon after were definitely heartbreaking moments.

 

[TahirFan]

BBC article

http://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/39282939

 

[Saj]

Lovely man. I met him for the first time at Leicestershire where Pakistan were playing a tour match.

We had been chatting over email and when he realised it was me, he gave me a firm handshake and a hug as players and supporters looked on.

Gone but will never be forgotten.

 

[IMMY69]

RIP Bob.

IMHO the best coach Pakistan ever had.

 

[Hasan123]

2005-2006 was a brilliant period for us in LO, Bob had a big part to play in that. Gone but never forgotten. Thank you for the early cricketing memories you gave me with Pakistan.

 

[Saj]

Those players that wanted to learn and improve did so during Bob's reign. Those that had no intention to improve, showed their true colours.

 

[Bilal7]

Wonderful guy. Like someone said, there were some absolutely crazy conspiracy theories rolling around after he passed away which hurt even more.

 

[msb314]

The period between 2004-2006 with Woolmer-Inzamam-Shehryar at the helm was a rare spell of stability for Pakistan who had been wracked by instability and inconsistency for at least a decade.

He was criticised by some for being a "laptop coach" but his methods were innovative and his track record of player development speaks for itself. He had a good eye for talent, getting the best out of players like Rana Naved and even Rao Iftikhar, let alone the big names like Mohammad Asif, Younis Khan, Salman Butt, Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Yousuf and Inzamam-ul-Haq who enjoyed his best run of form under Woolmer.

In Tests, we beat India at home and drew with them away with what was considered one of the weakest bowling attacks we've had. We didn't lose a home Test series under his tenure which was an important feat given how weak our home record was in the 1990s and early 2000s. In ODIs, we came from 2-0 down to beat India 4-2 away in what was his finest achievement. We also beat England, West Indies home and away, and Sri Lanka away.

Sadly, things fell apart during the 2006 summer in England. After Ovalgate, Woolmer's work became a victim of the gross unprofessionalism of his board and his out of control players. Inzamam's captaincy was becoming too defensive and stubborn, whilst religious exhibitionism was at its peak. I'll never forgive Asif and Akhtar for the Nandrolone affair, and them consequently chickening out of the 2007 World Cup because they were too scared they'd fail a drug test.

Akhtar was a disgrace in this period - perennially unfit and at one point was recorded physically shoving Woolmer because that's what a real man does eh ? Attack someone over twice your age. For that tenure to end with the Ireland defeat was tragic and still hard to swallow. Watching his head slump on his hands as yet another Pakistani wicket fell that day at Sabina Park summed up the rapid descent of his team after the highs of the previous two years.

Woolmer retained his down to earth approach even during the tough spells, his analytical mind constantly at work. Not many possess the depth of cricketing knowledge that he had as his excellent book Art and Science of Cricket demonstrates and was always willing to engage with fans. He even maintained a blog here on PP where he answered questions. Cricket was his passion no matter whether he was assisting an Associate side as he did when at the ICC High Performance Centre, schoolkids making their way up the ladder, or international teams.

RIP Bob, thanks for the memories. Your work won't be forgotten.

Great post - spot on!

Woolmer was one of the best we ever had - a true inspiration to many of our cricketers even today...

 

[msb314]

RIP Bob Woolmer!

One of the greatest coaches we ever had. Forever set the benchmark from which we will judge every coach to take over our national team.

The best thing about him was that he was a great man manager. Got along with every player and gave attention to them on a personal level. He even got the best out of Afridi who enjoyed his best form during Woolmer's tenure. Inzy even affectionately referred to him as "The Bob". YK also mentioned he was like a father figure to him.

RIP and thanks for everything you did!!

 

[msb314]

Those players that wanted to learn and improve did so during Bob's reign. Those that had no intention to improve, showed their true colours.

Even Afridi played the best cricket of his life under Woolmer. His highest Test score and 4 6's off Harbhajan came under Woolmer's reign. His test form was immaculate back then! Not to mention his 45 ball hundred at Kanpur - such great memories.

Even Shoaib Akhtar who was the perennial "bad boy" of Pakistan cricket produced one of the best fast bowling spells in Pakistan i ever saw - during the Multan Test of 2005 against England! It happened under Woolmer.

 

[dildildalwalla]

How was it uninspiring

Our 2005-2006 squad was very exciting especially in ODIs

It's not simply the excitement factor (I don't remember them being all that exciting anyway) but the fact that the team was too inconsistent. By 2007 we were losing to Ireland in an ODI, were humiliated in England in the tests (after years of dominance) and regularly went up and down in ODI games. I think their best success was against India but even that wasn't consistent (I remember them being hammered at home in teh ODI series). So no, not inspiring.

 

[Hitman]

RIP! I have my highest regards for this man.

 

[Slog]

It's not simply the excitement factor (I don't remember them being all that exciting anyway) but the fact that the team was too inconsistent. By 2007 we were losing to Ireland in an ODI, were humiliated in England in the tests (after years of dominance) and regularly went up and down in ODI games. I think their best success was against India but even that wasn't consistent (I remember them being hammered at home in teh ODI series). So no, not inspiring.

ive expressly said 2004-2006

won against india, sl, wi, eng in this period as well as good SF showing in CT 2004,2006

 

[Stallion__]

Great read [MENTION=53290]Markhor[/MENTION]

He built a strong outfit and majority of our players flourished in his tenure. Younis became a world class player after being inconsistent since his debut while Kamran delivered some great match-winning performances. Malik took his batting to new level. Rana Naved and Rao Iftikhar became reliable bowlers. He kept an eye on Asif even when he was dropped after his wicketless debut in Australia. A year later, he selected him for England series claiming that he is the most improved bowler in Pakistan. He played him against England in a warm up game where he picked up 10 wickets. Few weeks later, Asif delivered a match-winning performance in Karachi test against India. Yousuf gave credit to Woolmer for after his magical run with the bat.

In ODIs, we beat India in India, whitewashed Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka and West Indies in West Indies. In Tests, we beat Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka, drew a series in India and defeated them at home. Comprehensively trounced Ashes winning England side at home across the formats. Should have won an ODI series in England after being 2-0 up in the series, but things started getting worse from that tour onwards.

It was funny when our so called experts used to criticize him saying stuff like 'Cricket laptop per nahi khaili jati' or 'Hum ne to baghair laptop k cricket seekhi' without having any capability to provide any technical or analytical insights.

His wife later revealed that Woolmer loved being called 'Woolmer Chacha' and intended to work in NCA with domestic players after 2007 world cup. He loved mentoring lesser known players and always kept an eye of promising young domestic players. He even sold shoes to Anwar Ali for that U-19 World Cup when Anwar couldn't afford them at market price.

RIP great man

 

[zn426]

Great read [MENTION=53290]Markhor[/MENTION]

He built a strong outfit and majority of our players flourished in his tenure. Younis became a world class player after being inconsistent since his debut while Kamran delivered some great match-winning performances. Malik took his batting to new level. Rana Naved and Rao Iftikhar became reliable bowlers. He kept an eye on Asif even when he was dropped after his wicketless debut in Australia. A year later, he selected him for England series claiming that he is the most improved bowler in Pakistan. He played him against England in a warm up game where he picked up 10 wickets. Few weeks later, Asif delivered a match-winning performance in Karachi test against India. Yousuf gave credit to Woolmer for after his magical run with the bat.

In ODIs, we beat India in India, whitewashed Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka and West Indies in West Indies. In Tests, we beat Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka, drew a series in India and defeated them at home. Comprehensively trounced Ashes winning England side at home across the formats. Should have won an ODI series in England after being 2-0 up in the series, but things started getting worse from that tour onwards.

It was funny when our so called experts used to criticize him saying stuff like 'Cricket laptop per nahi khaili jati' or 'Hum ne to baghair laptop k cricket seekhi' without having any capability to provide any technical or analytical insights.

His wife later revealed that Woolmer loved being called 'Woolmer Chacha' and intended to work in NCA with domestic players after 2007 world cup. He loved mentoring lesser known players and always kept an eye of promising young domestic players. He even sold shoes to Anwar Ali for that U-19 World Cup when Anwar couldn't afford them at market price.

RIP great man

If he had worked in the NCA post 2007 world cup we would be top four in all rankings today. The man made associate sides into World cup level teams, one only knows what he would have done for Pakistan.

 

[Markhor]

Great read [MENTION=53290]Markhor[/MENTION]

He built a strong outfit and majority of our players flourished in his tenure. Younis became a world class player after being inconsistent since his debut while Kamran delivered some great match-winning performances. Malik took his batting to new level. Rana Naved and Rao Iftikhar became reliable bowlers. He kept an eye on Asif even when he was dropped after his wicketless debut in Australia. A year later, he selected him for England series claiming that he is the most improved bowler in Pakistan. He played him against England in a warm up game where he picked up 10 wickets. Few weeks later, Asif delivered a match-winning performance in Karachi test against India. Yousuf gave credit to Woolmer for after his magical run with the bat.

In ODIs, we beat India in India, whitewashed Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka and West Indies in West Indies. In Tests, we beat Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka, drew a series in India and defeated them at home. Comprehensively trounced Ashes winning England side at home across the formats. Should have won an ODI series in England after being 2-0 up in the series, but things started getting worse from that tour onwards.

It was funny when our so called experts used to criticize him saying stuff like 'Cricket laptop per nahi khaili jati' or 'Hum ne to baghair laptop k cricket seekhi' without having any capability to provide any technical or analytical insights.

His wife later revealed that Woolmer loved being called 'Woolmer Chacha' and intended to work in NCA with domestic players after 2007 world cup. He loved mentoring lesser known players and always kept an eye of promising young domestic players. He even sold shoes to Anwar Ali for that U-19 World Cup when Anwar couldn't afford them at market price.

RIP great man

Woolmer would've ideally suited to a role at the NCA given his strength was player development.

Now I haven't mentioned the murder allegations. The Jamaican authorities bungled the entire case. The pathologists were thoroughly incompetent, claiming Woolmer died from "manual strangulation" as the hyoid bone was broken. It then emerged the hyoid bone was never broken. Officers who first entered Woolmer's bathroom had concluded that he was not murdered. There were no marks on him and no sign of a struggle. But they were overruled by senior officers.

I cannot imagine what his family must've gone through hearing all the rumours - that it was a betting mafia who wanted to kill him thus preventing him from blowing the whistle on matchfixing, a disgruntled fan, Islamist extremists or even a player.

Pakistani media sunk to new lows that I didn't think was even possible. Shouting at the players "did you kill Woolmer" and that sort of thing, accusing the players of murdering their own coach. PJ Mir was the media manager and held a "private memorial" that was anything but private whilst one by one the players spoke at a podium to pay tribute to their coach in front of a media scrum.

 

[dildildalwalla]

ive expressly said 2004-2006

won against india, sl, wi, eng in this period as well as good SF showing in CT 2004,2006

They also lost to England in England. They got humiliated in fact and theer was tha twhole stupidity, courteousy of Inzy in one of the tests. Forget which one.

Anyway, none of that changes the original statement I made.

 

[Slog]

They also lost to England in England. They got humiliated in fact and theer was tha twhole stupidity, courteousy of Inzy in one of the tests. Forget which one.

Anyway, none of that changes the original statement I made.

We drew with England as far as I remember

 

[Saj]

Many of the Pakistani players of that era said that Woolmer was the best coach they ever played under. He had that skill of being a father figure yet still pushing the players to get the best out of them.

So sad the way it ended.

 

[Slog]

Many of the Pakistani players of that era said that Woolmer was the best coach they ever played under. He had that skill of being a father figure yet still pushing the players to get the best out of them.

So sad the way it ended.

Razzaq would disagree big time

 

[notAgainPlease]

I shed a tear on his death .... Now I feel nothing .. too numb ...

 

[Pakpak]

Woolmer would've ideally suited to a role at the NCA given his strength was player development.

Now I haven't mentioned the murder allegations. The Jamaican authorities bungled the entire case. The pathologists were thoroughly incompetent, claiming Woolmer died from "manual strangulation" as the hyoid bone was broken. It then emerged the hyoid bone was never broken. Officers who first entered Woolmer's bathroom had concluded that he was not murdered. There were no marks on him and no sign of a struggle. But they were overruled by senior officers.

I cannot imagine what his family must've gone through hearing all the rumours - that it was a betting mafia who wanted to kill him thus preventing him from blowing the whistle on matchfixing, a disgruntled fan, Islamist extremists or even a player.

Pakistani media sunk to new lows that I didn't think was even possible. Shouting at the players "did you kill Woolmer" and that sort of thing, accusing the players of murdering their own coach. PJ Mir was the media manager and held a "private memorial" that was anything but private whilst one by one the players spoke at a podium to pay tribute to their coach in front of a media scrum.

I read his family's comments recently and of the officer who presided the case. Both said he was not murdered but had a lot of health issues. His son said the family is at peace and knows he died naturally.

 

[Saj]

Razzaq would disagree big time

As I said, those that wanted to learn and improve did so.

Those that didn't, well, no hope for them.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">On this day 2007. The much-loved and highly repected Bob Woolmer sadly passed away <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/dVu0EZGpLN">pic.twitter.com/dVu0EZGpLN</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/843009619006013440">March 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

Request to all.

Keep conspiracy theories off this thread

This is a tribute thread

 

[Robert]

I liked his book Pirate and Rebel.

My favourite story was the one where he got a really slow test match hundred against Lillee and Thomson when they were at their fastest. He was a thorn in the Aussies' sides, getting three hundres IIRC.

I also liked the one where he got completely stuck while batting against Sobers' left-arm swing, and Cowdrey coached him out of it from the other end.

He might have played more for England, but then a bloke called Botham appeared out of Somerset and that was the end of his career. So he went to play for Packer, and the England rebels on the apartheid-era South African Breweries tour of 1982.

 

[Abdullah719]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Azhar Mahmood "Bob Woolmer was like a father to all of the Pakistani cricketers. He was a lovely man with a great cricketing brain" <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/t6Ualtwhad">pic.twitter.com/t6Ualtwhad</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/843914468845375490">March 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

Yet another anniversary for Pakistan's most well-loved coach!

RIP Bob.

 

[shane]

Bob was an amazing coach and, by all accounts, a remarkable person. He is the first and only coach I have known to talk directly to the fans via his website. For those who were not fortunate enough to see it, he would spend an hour every night answering questions posted by fans on his website.

 

[MenInG]

Bob's birthday today RIP

 

[MenInG]

Another day of remembrance for the much-loved Bob Woolmer.

 

[Sadozai]

He was the best we ever got. May his soul rest in peace.

 

[SensiblePakFan]

Probably the most invested foreign coach weve ever had.
Rest in Peace.

 

[Bilal7]

Everytime I think of Woolmer's death, I am reminded of how some Indian media channels claimed that Inzamam had killed him.

 

[Markhor]

Bob's technical understanding of the game was exceptional and any budding cricketer following his demos will find his explanations easy to understand.

He was very thorough in his tactical preparations. His South Africa team of the 1990s had a superb record though sadly could not win a World Cup. Pakistan enjoyed a golden spell between 2005-06 under him and despite a tragic end, his cricketing legacy will stand the test of time.

 

[Hasan123]

Miss you legend

 

[Saj]

I'm sure he would have loved to have worked with the current group of players.

The likes of Shaheen, Hasan Ali, Imam, Shadab Khan would have really benefitted from working with Chacha Bob.

 

[MenInG]

Inzi speaking about coaches and Bob Woolmer

"In my experience, Pakistani coaches after defeat become very 'stiff' awkward with players"

"Players are like weapons, they need to be cleaned and fine tuned, and if they are given the right care, they will fire in the right way at the right time"

"Bob Woolmer said to me that today in the team room we will enjoy ourselves; I said how will we enjoy ourselves? he said I have arranged a few things, to drink etc"

"Bob said that I used to do this often in South Africa that whenever our team wasnt performing that well, we used to drink to get the truth out of players"

"In this way the player's inner problems used to be expressed by them"

"So today as our team isnt performing that well, we will do the same and see"

"I said, Bob, we cannot do this, so Bob asked how can we find the real issues from the players?"

"I said we pray together and this was difficult to explain to Bob; So we pray together and after that discuss things and I asked players about whats in their hearts"

"So when we prayed together, Bob also came there, and when we had a discussion after that about what was bothering us and the boys opened their hearts about their problems"

"And then came a time that he liked this idea so much that whenever he gave the times for a meeting, he would say things like 'after maghrib' we will have a meeting - he had memorized names of namaazes, so that he would say after maghrib or after isha we will sit and talk"

 

[Markhor]

Bob was a very canny operator. He had an incredible amount of technical knowledge, but what Inzamam's quotes demonstrate was his grasp of man management and team psychology which is massively important.

 

[topspin]

Bob was a very canny operator. He had an incredible amount of technical knowledge, but what Inzamam's quotes demonstrate was his grasp of man management and team psychology which is massively important.

Excellent tribute Markhor, it was a great read. We sure could do with a Coach of his calibre. Gave me so many good memories when I was an avid teenage fan of Pakistan cricket.

 

[Saj]

Bob had that skill of being able to get the best out of the senior players and the youngsters.

Well respected and a father figure.

 

[chacha kashmiri]

Very good coach. Computing , sledging, humour, he had it all.
Pakistani cricket has never recovered from his death
Cool character who was always very interactive with his own fans

 

[MenInG]

Another year goes by and time to remember Pakistan's most well-loved coach once again.

 

[MenInG]

Former Pakistan captains Shoaib Malik and Inzamam Ul Haq sent out moving tributes for former coach Bob Woolmer who passed away on this day 13 years ago. Woolmer died on March 18, 2007 just a few hours after Pakistan’s shock defeat at the hands of minnows Ireland at the ICC World Cup in West Indies.

Pakistan were subsequently knocked out of the multi-national event but Woolmer’s untimely death left everyone stunned. Malik took to social media to pay tribute to late Woolmer and his post read: “Miss you coach #RIPBobWoolmer.”

“Woolmer and I spent time together in the Pakistan team in the capacity of coach and captain,” Inzamam said. “We shared many great moments together. He was the most organised coach that I ever came across.”

“I got to learn a lot from him. He never used to force things upon the selectors. He simply used to bring me the stats and never undermined the captain with respect to the selection of players.

“When we lost the match against Ireland, we entered the dressing room very quietly. He asked me ‘what’s the plan?’ and I said ‘let’s talk tomorrow over breakfast’. But he never came for it. I went back to my room and got a call from someone asking to come to his room,” Inzamam added.

“Police had come to his floor and they didn’t allow me to go inside Woolmer’s room. He was taken to the hospital and soon news came that he was no more. The entire team was shocked. The doctors had declared the death as murder and we were all left stunned by it.”

Initially the Jamaican police had said they were probing a murder case but after three months they announced that the former England cricketer had died of natural causes.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...anniversary/story-QnPmh4gOtZaeUAvAqPWhsK.html

 

[Savak]

Bob had that skill of being able to get the best out of the senior players and the youngsters.

Well respected and a father figure.

Afridi can never stop talking about him. The first thing Bob Woolmer did apparently when taking charge is to ask "Where is that boy Afridi?".

 

[Saj]

Afridi can never stop talking about him. The first thing Bob Woolmer did apparently when taking charge is to ask "Where is that boy Afridi?".

There's some lovely words by Afridi regarding Woolmer in the upcoming interview.

 

[Junaids]

There's some lovely words by Afridi regarding Woolmer in the upcoming interview.

I think Afridi (and Pakistan) squandered a significant Test asset from 1999 until Woolmer took over.

Pakistan had the chance to play Razzaq, Azhar Mahmood and Afridi outside Asia at 6, 7 and 9 alongside Shoaib and then Asif too.

They used Saqlain and Mushy outside Asia for far too long when they could have had a sensationally short tail.

Afridi at 9 would have been an amazing Test asset. Imagine him coming in after 65 overs at 240-7 to join Inzamam or Yousuf. By the time the second new ball arrived it might well be 260 all out, but it also might be 320-7.

 

[MenInG]

Darkest days in Pakistan cricket and a huge tragic loss to his family and to the Pakistan players.

 

[ChTab]

Without any doubt the best coach Pakistan ever had. It would've been amazing if he could coach the Pakistani team till 2011 WC.

 

[offstump]

I think he could have remained coach for years to come. He was a revolutionary in that he was using analytics and technology when it wasn’t prevalent in world cricket. The only coach I can think of who was widely respected by fans, players and media alike. In fact I remember fans demanding we select Rao Ifthikar Anjum and after he was picked in the side, people starting complaining about how Rao was no good and Woolmer responded by saying “you guys were the ones who wanted him in the team!” A true legend.

 

[Saj]

The best Coach Pakistan has ever had in terms of relationship with the players.

I have never heard any player have a bad word to say about the Great Bob Woolmer.

 

[Robert]

As an England player he suffered from being around at the same time as two top allrounders - Greig and then Botham.

He was obdurate against fast bowling, getting three centuries against Lillee&Thomson.

Might have played more tests, but signed for Packer and then the first South Africa rebel tour.

 

[Justcrazy]

I think Afridi (and Pakistan) squandered a significant Test asset from 1999 until Woolmer took over.

Pakistan had the chance to play Razzaq, Azhar Mahmood and Afridi outside Asia at 6, 7 and 9 alongside Shoaib and then Asif too.

They used Saqlain and Mushy outside Asia for far too long when they could have had a sensationally short tail.

Afridi at 9 would have been an amazing Test asset. Imagine him coming in after 65 overs at 240-7 to join Inzamam or Yousuf. By the time the second new ball arrived it might well be 260 all out, but it also might be 320-7.

I always believed Afridi should have played Tests . In Asia he could easily play as second spinner and bat at number 8 , that would have added good depth to batting as well , as he was capable of playing cameos of 30 - 40 runs in time .

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OnThisDay?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OnThisDay</a> in 2007. The much-loved and highly repected Bob Woolmer sadly passed away <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/yZx2L0Y1MD">pic.twitter.com/yZx2L0Y1MD</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1372462201106268161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">When Bob was coaching us that’s when we really understood the role of a coach; like a father figure for the young players who’s approval we seeked after every match - win or loose, good game or bad. Miss you Bob <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/anniversary?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#anniversary</a> <a href="https://t.co/FNwkUGNFQk">pic.twitter.com/FNwkUGNFQk</a></p>— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/SAfridiOfficial/status/1372511778337390593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Sunzi]

Inzamam: 'Do it for the Bob'

 

[MenInG]

The Late Bob Woolmer was born on 14th May, 1948

 

[MenInG]

Another sad anniversary of his death. Pakistan cricket was dealt a huge blow that day.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OnThisDay?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OnThisDay</a> in 2007. The much-loved and highly respected Bob Woolmer sadly passed away <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/AzU0NB5SPi">pic.twitter.com/AzU0NB5SPi</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1504707873980436480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Junaids]

Wonderful man.

Superb coach.

 

[James]

<b>Bob Woolmer Death Anniversary: Mohammad Yousuf Pays Tribute To Former Pakistan Coach, Says “Remains World No.1”</b>

<I>Woolmer passed away under mysterious circumstances during the 2007 World Cup, a day after Pakistan was knocked out of the tournament.</I>

Bob Woolmer Death Anniversary: Former Pakistan batter Mohammad Yousuf paid a rich tribute to Bob Woolmer on his death anniversary and stated that he still remains the best coach that he has ever played under, adding that his innovative drills during his tenure as the Pakistan coach helped his balance while batting immensely and the whole team benefited from it.

“Bob Woolmer will remain the No.1 coach in the world…He was great guy, a great coach and a great motivator and I think, he was great for me as well. My balance and my batting improved considerably under him,” said Yousuf in a video uploaded by Pakistan Cricket Board on it’s official Twitter handle.

“So if you see, as a coach and mentor, he had everything and was a top motivator and always used to back his players, bring them up and he used to say things in such a manner that it never looked like someone had some kind of fault and his innovative drills used to help us as a team,” he added

The 47-year-old hailed the South African-Englishman as the best coach in the world.

“I personally benefited a lot from that. As a coach, according to me, keeping in mind all the coaches that I have played under and worked with thereafter, he was one of the best. Infact, he was the best coach in the world,” Yousuf concluded.

Woolmer passed away under mysterious circumstances during the 2007 World Cup, a day after Pakistan was knocked out of the tournament.

The former South Africa team coach was honoured posthumously with the Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Star of Excellence), a high ranking civil award of Pakistan, for his contribution to Pakistan cricket.

https://www.india.com/sports/bob-wo...-coach-says-remains-world-no-1-coach-5291981/

 

[James]

May the great man rest in peace.

 

[ssuhaide]

RIP Bob. He took time out years ago to respond to a question I had emailed him. Who does that now ? A true gent and sorely missed.

 

[Loralai]

He was a true gentleman, well ahead of his peers. A real visionary who got the best out of our players but let down by an unprofessional board and cricketing culture where religious exhibitionism was out of control.

I will never forget listening to Junaid Jamshed on TV a short while after Bob Woolmer died, claiming that Bob had converted to Islam and wanted to be buried in Pakistan. One of the most tasteless and insensitive things I have ever heard on Pakistani TV.

It would be a fitting tribute for the Gadaffi Stadium to be renamed in his honour.

 

[Saj]

RIP Bob. He took time out years ago to respond to a question I had emailed him. Who does that now ? A true gent and sorely missed.

He loved interacting with fans and loved to hear what they had to say.

As others have said, he was ahead of his time when it came to coaching and his methods.

RIP Bob.

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

Remember him fondly.

But I don't recall his achievements for Pakistan. What did he win?

 

[Hasan]

RIP Bob.

The nasty “fans” and media were very nasty when you were truly committed to the Pakistan team.

 

[sweep_shot]

He was a fantastic coach.

I actually improved my batting just by watching his training videos on YouTube.

 

[Monsee]

RIP Chacha Bob, his communication with fans through email was stuff of legends (I don't think he replied to all the emails but some of them he did, and he was funny as heck as well).

The best achievements we had under him was giving England the best Phainta ever in Tests after they came to Pakistan (they had won the Ashes, being No 1 team in the world, and were thinking Pak will just roll over)...that was one of the most exciting series we were ever involved in. We thumped them 2-0 and 3rd test we dominated as well.

And the win against India in Karachi (2006) and the drawn series against Indian in India (2005) plus the come back in ODI series after being down 2-0 (winning 2-4) were the highlights of his tenure. Great coach, great motivator, and one of the best man to man skills ever!

 

[The Bald Eagle]

17 years ago, the cricketing world lost a great character, coach in the shape of Bob Woolmer. He left this world the same day years ago. Pakistan cricket suffered a lot after his demise.

 

[Hitman]

RIP! I guess we'll never truly know what happened that day.

 

[sweep_shot]

RIP Chacha Bob, his communication with fans through email was stuff of legends (I don't think he replied to all the emails but some of them he did, and he was funny as heck as well).

The best achievements we had under him was giving England the best Phainta ever in Tests after they came to Pakistan (they had won the Ashes, being No 1 team in the world, and were thinking Pak will just roll over)...that was one of the most exciting series we were ever involved in. We thumped them 2-0 and 3rd test we dominated as well.

And the win against India in Karachi (2006) and the drawn series against Indian in India (2005) plus the come back in ODI series after being down 2-0 (winning 2-4) were the highlights of his tenure. Great coach, great motivator, and one of the best man to man skills ever!

One of the best coaches of all time possibly.

I got benefited from his cricket tutorial when I was playing league cricket. Impactful and knowledgeable coach.

 

[Asad T]

18 years ago since his passing, and it feels like it was yesterday. We had lost to Ireland and then Woolmer passed. We keep talking about the lowest point in Pakistan cricket being now. But to me, march 2007 will always mark the low point for me. We lost a great man that day

 

[shah9425]

One of the darkest days for us it was

Loss to Ireland was still stinging and on top of this

 

[Hitman]

Feels like yesterday. I wish it didn't happen.

RIP!