"If Bob Woolmer had remained head coach, he would have taken Pakistan cricket to great heights" - Younis Khan
Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan believes the side would have touched tremendous heights if the late Bob Woolmer was alive and remained their head coach. Woolmer was Pakistan's head coach from 2004 to 2007, when the side won an ODI series in India 4-2 and drew the Test series 1-1.
Woolmer also coached South Africa from 1994 to 1999, arguably their most dominant period, helping them win their lone ICC title in the 1998 Champions Trophy.
Unfortunately, he was found dead in the hotel room after Pakistan's shocking defeat to Ireland that knocked them out of the 2007 ODI World Cup in the West Indies.
Speaking on a local TV channel, Younis felt Pakistan cricket would have hit great heights had Woolmer been alive and coaching them.
"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," said Younis.
Recalling Bob Woolmer's death, Younis added:
"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. Next day, I didn’t see him at breakfast and later we learnt about his death."
Woolmer's death was later deemed to be due to natural causes after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the government's security personnel worked with the Jamaican police.
Bob Woolmer passed away during Pakistan's dismal 2007 ODI World Cup
After years of consistent results, Pakistan under Bob Woolmer's coaching entered the 2007 ODI World Cup among the favorites. However, they suffered a 54-run defeat to hosts West Indies in the tournament opener.
Despite the setback, Pakistan were expected to roll through Ireland and Zimbabwe to qualify for the Super Eights. Yet, a lackluster batting performance saw Pakistan bowled out for 132 against Ireland, as the Irish side sealed the chase in the 42nd over with three wickets remaining.
The loss eliminated Pakistan from the tournament with one inconsequential game against Zimbabwe left. Woolmer passed away the day after the defeat to Ireland before the Zimbabwe clash, much to the shock of the entire cricket world.
The Inzamam-ul-Haq-led side still played the game against Zimbabwe and won by a massive 93 runs through the D/L method before returning home from the disappointment of the World Cup and the shock of losing Bob Woolmer.