Younis Khan opens up about Bob Woolmer's tragic death and impact on players

Ex-Pakistan captain believes Pakistan cricket would have thrived under late coach Bob Woolmer

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Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan has opened up about his deep respect for Bob Woolmer, the late head coach of the Pakistan national cricket team, and shared his thoughts on how the team was treated following Woolmer's death in 2007.

In a recent interview on a Pakistani TV channel, Khan expressed his belief that Pakistan cricket would have achieved remarkable success if Woolmer had remained as head coach.

Woolmer, who was 58, was found dead in his hotel room in Jamaica shortly after Pakistan’s elimination from the 2007 World Cup due to a loss to Ireland. His death was later determined to be due to natural causes after investigations by both the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Jamaican authorities.

“I have no doubt that if Woolmer had remained head coach, Pakistan cricket would have been very different today, and he would have taken it to great heights,” Younis said.

“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. The next day, I didn’t see him at breakfast and later we learned about his death,” he added.

The former cricket legend also recounted the challenging experience that followed Woolmer's death. The players were relocated to another island and were subjected to intense questioning by local police for three days.

“It was like 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,” he concluded.