Cricketers' anger as doubts grow in Woolmer case

The Pakistan cricket team today demanded an apology from the Jamaican police, as speculation grew that officers will announce coach Bob Woolmer was not murdered.

Pakistan team spokesman PJ Mir told Sky Sports News he had always believed Mr Woolmer died of natural causes, and accused the police of marring the World Cup with the murder investigation.

The 58-year-old was discovered unconscious in his bathroom at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston, on March 18 - following his team's humiliating defeat to Ireland in the World Cup.

A Jamaican pathologist initially said the cause of death was inconclusive, but four days later ruled Mr Woolmer was strangled.

Police then launched a murder investigation, and rumours circulated that Mr Woolmer was poisoned before being strangled or may have been the victim of an illegal betting mafia.

Mr Mir said the team assisted the police investigation, but that "never in a million years could I even think anyone in the Pakistan team could have been or would have been involved in that".

He said: "I think they should make a public apology, and right now I'm on my way into Pakistan where I will be recommending to the chairman of the board to take necessary legal action unless the Jamaican police formally apologise to the Pakistan team, to the Zimbabwean team, the Irish team and the West Indian team, who were all staying in the hotel."

"There was so much insinuation, so much name throwing, finger pointing and all of that, and I'm afraid the Jamaican police and the pathologist will be held responsible for marring the World Cup, for creating mistrust and distrust among the cricketing fraternity."

Yesterday, Jamaican police said they were analysing new information on the death of Mr Woolmer, but refused to comment on reports he was not murdered.

Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas said: "We are in receipt of some material. We are studying it and we will make a statement shortly to address the whole issue of Bob Woolmer," but did not say when an announcement would be made.

It has been reported that police now believe the former England player died of heart failure and are set to make an announcement.

Mr Thomas said investigators "are hearing all of these rumours" but refused to comment on the media reports.