Media Release - 12 June 2007

The Jamaican police have officially announced that Pakistan Coach Bob Woolmer died a natural death.

Pakistan Cricket Board shows great satisfaction over the fact that the truth has finally come out. This verdict will be a relief for the wife and family of Late Bob Woolmer, Pakistan Cricket Team and the people of Pakistan, who all have been feeling greatly distressed by the rumors that have been clouding the Cricket World since this sad incident.

Pakistan Coach Bob Woolmer was found unconscious in his room on March 18, 2007. He was immediately taken to the hospital where it was found that he had already expired. This was a big shock for the entire nation and a great trauma for his family and Pakistan Cricket Team that looked up to him as a father figure.

Throughout the course of events after this incident, the management of PCB had put all its efforts to protect Pakistan's interest by taking necessary measures like safe and timely exit of the Cricket Team from West Indies; complete reassurance and unconditional support was offered to the wife and family of late Woolmer; the Chairman PCB, Dr Nasim Ashraf attended the memorial service of Late Woolmer in Cape Town, South Africa and empathized with Bob's family; a memorial service was also organised in Lahore to pay respects to late Bob Woolmer; on request of PCB, initially two diplomats and later on two investigation officers were also sent from Pakistan to observe and facilitate the proceedings carried out by the Jamaican Police in this regard.

PCB showed utmost patience throughout the investigations and provided all help needed to complete the procedure with only one objective in mind i.e. bringing the truth to light. We fully respect the final verdict issued by the Jamaican Police.

The Board understands that during the past three months of investigations, certain irresponsible and hypothetical statements were made, not just in Jamaica but on the international scene as well. This was very traumatic not only to the Woolmer's family but also to the entire Pakistan nation.

We once again convey our condolences to Bob's wife and family and are relieved that this chapter is now closed. However being a significant part of Pakistan Cricket Family, Bob's absence would always be heartfelt. He was a great professional and a wonderful human being.

Media Department

(Article: Copyright © 2007 Pakistan Cricket Board)