Woolmer’s family say World Cup must go on

BOB WOOLMER’S suspected murder ominously overshadowed the World Cup on Friday — but the clear message from the coach’s bereaved family is that the games must go on.

While security was being tightened at team hotels and venues around the Caribbean, the Woolmer family insisted the man himself would not have wanted the World Cup stopped.

Their statement follows last night’s shock announcement that the former England batsman and Pakistan coach — who died in his Kingston hotel room last weekend — was killed by “manual strangulation”.

The Pakistan team Woolmer has left behind — knocked out of the tournament last Saturday — have since given their fingerprints and are preparing to submit DNA samples to police officers investigating the case.

Team manager Talat Ali reports the Pakistanis, who were staying with Woolmer at the Pegasus Hotel, are anxious to return home as soon as possible following their shock exit from the tournament.

Today’s statement on behalf of Woolmer’s family read: “The news from Jamaica about Bob’s death was devastating.

“It is very difficult for the family to come to terms with, and they have no idea why this happened.”

Fevered speculation about the possible motivation for the suspected murder has taken hold around the cricketing world, but Woolmer’s family have sought to set the record straight.

“To the best of the family’s knowledge, there is absolutely nothing to suggest Bob was involved in match fixing.

“Contrary to reports, we can confirm there is nothing in any book Bob has written that would explain the situation, and there were no threats received.”

Woolmer, a much-respected figure, was also accorded a personal tribute in the statement.

“Bob was a wonderful husband and father and a great cricket coach, who gave his life to the service of cricket and cricketers and endeared himself to anyone who came into contact with him,” it continued.

“He always had time for those who approached him either for an interview or a chat.

“Despite spending so much time away from home, he was in constant contact with his family either by email or by phone. “Bob would have been immensely proud to hear the tributes to him in the last few days from all the names in the cricket world, as well as the messages his family have received from friends and acquaintances from all over the world.”

Ali, meanwhile, reports the beleaguered Pakistani squad are hoping their stay in Jamaica is not extended too much longer.

“Our priority is to take the players back to Pakistan,” he said.

“Everyone in Pakistan is looking forward to their return, especially the families of the players.

“They want the boys back in Pakistan as soon as possible.” He added all members of the squad have co-operated fully with the police inquiry.

“We have given whatever information the police have asked us about,” Ali said.