There are new suspicions regarding the circumstances of Bob Woolmers resignation before his death. The Sunday Telegraph has alleged that this letter was faked. Its alleged that the letter was written by Woolmers killers.
If this is true then it shows another sign of who murdered Woolmer. If this is the case then surely its clear that Woolmer knew the culprits. Its debatable whether this statement is true. Everything that has happened with this case seems rather strange. Do i think that there is a connection between cricket officials and Woolmer's death?
yes i do. There are few suspicious pieces of the puzzle that have not been put together. The reason why it seems supsicious is that Neil Manthorp, A respected south african journalist who knew Woolmer well.
He says: 'I have received hundreds of emails from him over the years and this is not his style - not the sort of words and phrases that he would use.' Now this is coming from someone who knew him well.
This could be just another consprivacy theory though i think there is some truth in what Manthorp says. Its believed that the message was sent at 6am on March 18, a few hours later Woolmer was found dead.
Gill Woolmer has apparently has expressed her doubts about the authenticity of the email. There are so many questions and at the moment anyway there are very few answers.
In Jamaica, the Sunday Gleaner says that a source in London has told them that Scotland Yard believes there is no evidence of murder and that Woolmer died of a heart attack. I believe that there is no evidence to suggest either side is right. That is the problem. I just hopw that somehow and someway the culprits are found. As i have said before i have my doubts that the culprits will be found. If Woolmer died of natural causes then surely the case should be solved by now. Its suspicious and speculation will continue until justice is done. Even if the culprits are found, what will be done with them anyhow. How would they bring them to justice? Sentence them to a term of jail time? Maybe they should be poisoned or murdered like Woolmer was. There really is no justice in this world. I wish there was.
Are these people proud of what they have done? If so then they should come forward. he decent thing to do is to do just that. If they are innocent then come forward and help with enquiries.
Sunday, 13 May 2007
Friday, 11 May 2007
Series to watch out for
There are some really tasty series coming in the next few months. ts Summer and its when the football season stops and the cricket season begins.
One series has begun with Bangladesh taking on India. This three match series began on Wednesday with India winning by 5 wickets. The second match is scheduled for May 12 with the final match on the 15th.
The focus moves to England who start their 4 match series with West Indies on May 17th. The following day sees Bangladesh vs India in a 2 test series as well as the opening match of the Abu Dhabi ODI series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
The county season has started and is in full through which keeps fans occupied. I support Surrey and will be keeping track of my teams progress as they embark on a mission to become County Championship Division 1 champions.
Wednesday 6 June should be a cracker between Asia x1 and Africa x1. The returning Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif locking horns with Makhaya Ntini and Shaun Pollock.
The twenty20 competition should be great, James Benning of Surrey is an outstanding player in this form. The competition is open wide and could prove to be more popular than ever with the International twenty20 competition scheduled for the middle of September.
The Twenty 20 World Championship will pit all the international teams against each other. The favourites will be Australia though South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan, India and even England will be challenging. I am really looking forward to this and it should be exciting. Scotland are the only minnows in the tournament. Its being held inSouth Africa and i hope that it will be memorable for the right reasons. When South Africa hosted the 2003 World Cup everything ran smoothly and i expect it to be the same.
Although the 50 over one day matches are still around, the question is how long for? Twenty20 cricket has taken off in this country and all around the world. I believe that at some point in the next 4 or 5 years this form of cricket will replace the traditional 50 over a side match. Its all about going with the times and people want to see the game impoved. No dount the powerplays were brought in to the 50 over game to be more exciting for the first 20 overs.
Twenty20 cricket is no flash in the pan, its been around since 2003 when Surrey won the inagural tournament. The crowds were fairly small. However over the last three years the game has been met with such fan fare. Fans are bonkers about the game and its a great way to spend the evening. For four hours you are taken on a rollercoaster ride which shows how quick the game can be. Its non stop and children seem to love it.
One series has begun with Bangladesh taking on India. This three match series began on Wednesday with India winning by 5 wickets. The second match is scheduled for May 12 with the final match on the 15th.
The focus moves to England who start their 4 match series with West Indies on May 17th. The following day sees Bangladesh vs India in a 2 test series as well as the opening match of the Abu Dhabi ODI series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
The county season has started and is in full through which keeps fans occupied. I support Surrey and will be keeping track of my teams progress as they embark on a mission to become County Championship Division 1 champions.
Wednesday 6 June should be a cracker between Asia x1 and Africa x1. The returning Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif locking horns with Makhaya Ntini and Shaun Pollock.
The twenty20 competition should be great, James Benning of Surrey is an outstanding player in this form. The competition is open wide and could prove to be more popular than ever with the International twenty20 competition scheduled for the middle of September.
The Twenty 20 World Championship will pit all the international teams against each other. The favourites will be Australia though South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan, India and even England will be challenging. I am really looking forward to this and it should be exciting. Scotland are the only minnows in the tournament. Its being held inSouth Africa and i hope that it will be memorable for the right reasons. When South Africa hosted the 2003 World Cup everything ran smoothly and i expect it to be the same.
Although the 50 over one day matches are still around, the question is how long for? Twenty20 cricket has taken off in this country and all around the world. I believe that at some point in the next 4 or 5 years this form of cricket will replace the traditional 50 over a side match. Its all about going with the times and people want to see the game impoved. No dount the powerplays were brought in to the 50 over game to be more exciting for the first 20 overs.
Twenty20 cricket is no flash in the pan, its been around since 2003 when Surrey won the inagural tournament. The crowds were fairly small. However over the last three years the game has been met with such fan fare. Fans are bonkers about the game and its a great way to spend the evening. For four hours you are taken on a rollercoaster ride which shows how quick the game can be. Its non stop and children seem to love it.
Shoaib Akhtar returns
Shoaib has been included in the Asia one-day team for the Afro-Asia cup in the first week of June. The 14 man squad includes Mohammad Yousuf, Sachin Tendulkar and Sanath Jayasuriya. The team will be led by Mahela Jayawardene.
Among the bowlers included are Mohammad Asif, Lasith Malinga and Chaminda Vaas. Spinners will be Harbhajan Singh and Mohammad Rafique. Its a formidable line up with Mahendra Singh Dhoni named as wicketkeeper.
The Asia Twenty20 team consists of Imran Nazir, Mohammad Ashraful, Shahid Afridi and Kamran Akmal. The team is led by Shoaib Malik the newly appointed Pakistan captain. The bowling boasts Mashrafe Mortaza, Munaf Patel with Abdur Razzak and Farvez Maharoof providing back up.
It will be fascinating to see Shoaib Akhtar bowling again. He was not included in the upcoming Adu Dhabi series because he was not fully fit. There really is not better sight than Shoaib running in full pelt. Its a frightening prospect for all batsmen concerned.
After the controversy with Asif and Akhtar over the last 6 months it will be nice to see them play again. The World cup missed these two stars and this was the reason why Pakistan did not progress. Pakistan cricket needs to focus on the sport itself and not the case of Bob Woolmer. Everyone wants their minds taken of the tragic situation and this is aimed to do just that.
Among the bowlers included are Mohammad Asif, Lasith Malinga and Chaminda Vaas. Spinners will be Harbhajan Singh and Mohammad Rafique. Its a formidable line up with Mahendra Singh Dhoni named as wicketkeeper.
The Asia Twenty20 team consists of Imran Nazir, Mohammad Ashraful, Shahid Afridi and Kamran Akmal. The team is led by Shoaib Malik the newly appointed Pakistan captain. The bowling boasts Mashrafe Mortaza, Munaf Patel with Abdur Razzak and Farvez Maharoof providing back up.
It will be fascinating to see Shoaib Akhtar bowling again. He was not included in the upcoming Adu Dhabi series because he was not fully fit. There really is not better sight than Shoaib running in full pelt. Its a frightening prospect for all batsmen concerned.
After the controversy with Asif and Akhtar over the last 6 months it will be nice to see them play again. The World cup missed these two stars and this was the reason why Pakistan did not progress. Pakistan cricket needs to focus on the sport itself and not the case of Bob Woolmer. Everyone wants their minds taken of the tragic situation and this is aimed to do just that.
Thursday, 10 May 2007
world cup final review
It was the contest everyone expected. The two best teams in the tournament reached the final. It should have been a classic. It became a calamity.
The match was reduced to 36 overs a side match due heavy rain in Barbados. 36 Overs for a world cup final? Why were the organisers trying to squeeze the match in one day. They had a rain day booked for the following day. They could have played 50 overs and carried the game over.
Australia won the toss and elected to bat. Adam Gilchrist, who looked edgy soon found his range. He tucked into Chaminda Vaas while Lasith Malinga bowled a superb spell. Hayden was first to go for 38 off 55 balls. He was the supporting role as he and Gilchrist put on 172 off just 22.5 overs. Ponting came in and supported Gilchrist putting on 52 in 8 overs. Gilchrist carried on his merry way smashing 13 fours and 8 sixes. Sri Lanka were relieved when Gilchrist played a false stroke and was out for a magnificant 149 off 104 balls. The highest score in a world cup final. Australia finished on 281/4 off 36 overs.
Sri Lanka needed a minor miracle to get close.Tharanga fell for 6 and SL were 7/1. Jayasuriya and Sangakkara put on 116 in 17 overs as they tried to keep up with the required rate. They just could not. Sangakkara fell for 54 to spinner Brad Hogg and soon Jayasuriya fell too. There chance had gone and they crumbled as they chased the unlikely target.
Soon it was darkness and the umpires apparently called the game off. Australia celebrated believing they had won. However the clamity was the game was not over. With Sri Lanka needing 76 off 3 overs common sense should have prevailed. Instead we had two spinners bowling the overs in darkness.Australia win by 53 runs (D/L method)An embarrassing end to a poorly run tournament. Austarlia have now won three world cups in a row and that is their 4th overall.
The match was reduced to 36 overs a side match due heavy rain in Barbados. 36 Overs for a world cup final? Why were the organisers trying to squeeze the match in one day. They had a rain day booked for the following day. They could have played 50 overs and carried the game over.
Australia won the toss and elected to bat. Adam Gilchrist, who looked edgy soon found his range. He tucked into Chaminda Vaas while Lasith Malinga bowled a superb spell. Hayden was first to go for 38 off 55 balls. He was the supporting role as he and Gilchrist put on 172 off just 22.5 overs. Ponting came in and supported Gilchrist putting on 52 in 8 overs. Gilchrist carried on his merry way smashing 13 fours and 8 sixes. Sri Lanka were relieved when Gilchrist played a false stroke and was out for a magnificant 149 off 104 balls. The highest score in a world cup final. Australia finished on 281/4 off 36 overs.
Sri Lanka needed a minor miracle to get close.Tharanga fell for 6 and SL were 7/1. Jayasuriya and Sangakkara put on 116 in 17 overs as they tried to keep up with the required rate. They just could not. Sangakkara fell for 54 to spinner Brad Hogg and soon Jayasuriya fell too. There chance had gone and they crumbled as they chased the unlikely target.
Soon it was darkness and the umpires apparently called the game off. Australia celebrated believing they had won. However the clamity was the game was not over. With Sri Lanka needing 76 off 3 overs common sense should have prevailed. Instead we had two spinners bowling the overs in darkness.Australia win by 53 runs (D/L method)An embarrassing end to a poorly run tournament. Austarlia have now won three world cups in a row and that is their 4th overall.
World Cup 2007
How fondly will people remember the world cup 2007. For many reasons off the field activities overshadowed some great performances on the field.
Ireland beating Pakistan was a huge shock and the aftermath is still going on now. Bangladesh beating India and consequently sending them packing. Matthew Hayden's batting throughout the tournament was superb. Who can forget Herschelle Gibbs smacking Van Bunge for six 6's in an over.
The semi finals were a huge let down. The hype going into them suggested two close games. South Africa ranked number 1 in ODI's coming into the tournament were thoroughly hammered. Australia outclassed them in every aspect and roared on to the final.
The second semi final between Sri Lanka and New Zealand looked to be a good contest. Sri Lanka made a solid 289/5 off 50 overs. New Zealand looked good at 105/2 after 22 overs. They completely subsided thanks to the magican that is Murali who took 4/31 off 8 overs. New Zealand 208 all out off 41.4 overs.
It must be said that the organising off the tournament was terrible. The grounds were all completed on time and looked fantastic. The question why on earth did the organisers have ticket prices so high. Obsurd to think that they thought they would sell out the grounds. West Indies played poorly and that dented the size of crowds.
In the final two weeks prices were lowered and in some matches fans got in free. It was a way of repaying the fans and admitting they were wrong.
Overall the atmosphere was non existant up until the last two weeks. Poor crowd attences and the lack of vibrant and loud horns meant the crowds were too quiet. It was meant to be a carnival,celebration but the organisers stopped that.
Ireland beating Pakistan was a huge shock and the aftermath is still going on now. Bangladesh beating India and consequently sending them packing. Matthew Hayden's batting throughout the tournament was superb. Who can forget Herschelle Gibbs smacking Van Bunge for six 6's in an over.
The semi finals were a huge let down. The hype going into them suggested two close games. South Africa ranked number 1 in ODI's coming into the tournament were thoroughly hammered. Australia outclassed them in every aspect and roared on to the final.
The second semi final between Sri Lanka and New Zealand looked to be a good contest. Sri Lanka made a solid 289/5 off 50 overs. New Zealand looked good at 105/2 after 22 overs. They completely subsided thanks to the magican that is Murali who took 4/31 off 8 overs. New Zealand 208 all out off 41.4 overs.
It must be said that the organising off the tournament was terrible. The grounds were all completed on time and looked fantastic. The question why on earth did the organisers have ticket prices so high. Obsurd to think that they thought they would sell out the grounds. West Indies played poorly and that dented the size of crowds.
In the final two weeks prices were lowered and in some matches fans got in free. It was a way of repaying the fans and admitting they were wrong.
Overall the atmosphere was non existant up until the last two weeks. Poor crowd attences and the lack of vibrant and loud horns meant the crowds were too quiet. It was meant to be a carnival,celebration but the organisers stopped that.
other pakistan news
As they say life goes on. After the tragedy that was Woolmer's death Pakistan cricket is getting continuing.
The search is on for the next coach to lead the national team. There is speculation that a number of people are being talked to. There is Tom Moody, Sri Lanka's coach though he is expected to stay after their impressive world cup run.
Former Indian coach, John Wright, was seen as a contender last year though no further contact has been made. Aaqib Javed, the former test fast bowler is seen as a serious contender.
Now, Dav Whatmore has been targeted as Woolmer's successor. After a fantastic spell in charge of Bangladesh, this could give Whatmore a chance to coach a big team. He had great success with Sri Lanka leading them to capturing the 1996 world cup.
There is one small problem; Whatmore may feel intimidated by the role. Taking on the job of Pakistani coach is a huge thing. Pakistan are so passionate about their cricket that they expect success.
All the politics involved with the national team would be hard too cope with. Woolmer struggled with this and it was something he hated. All he wanted to do was the job he was assigned to do and consequently it led to an early grave.
Nasim Ashraf, PCB chairman and his board must make the right decision. They want the coach in place by 1 July.
Pakistan play Sri Lanka in a three match series in Abu Dhabi
The search is on for the next coach to lead the national team. There is speculation that a number of people are being talked to. There is Tom Moody, Sri Lanka's coach though he is expected to stay after their impressive world cup run.
Former Indian coach, John Wright, was seen as a contender last year though no further contact has been made. Aaqib Javed, the former test fast bowler is seen as a serious contender.
Now, Dav Whatmore has been targeted as Woolmer's successor. After a fantastic spell in charge of Bangladesh, this could give Whatmore a chance to coach a big team. He had great success with Sri Lanka leading them to capturing the 1996 world cup.
There is one small problem; Whatmore may feel intimidated by the role. Taking on the job of Pakistani coach is a huge thing. Pakistan are so passionate about their cricket that they expect success.
All the politics involved with the national team would be hard too cope with. Woolmer struggled with this and it was something he hated. All he wanted to do was the job he was assigned to do and consequently it led to an early grave.
Nasim Ashraf, PCB chairman and his board must make the right decision. They want the coach in place by 1 July.
Pakistan play Sri Lanka in a three match series in Abu Dhabi
Bob Woolmer
Jamaican police are insisting that Bob Woolmer was murdered despite what Pakistani investigators have stated. There is credible evidence to support what the police are saying.
"The pathologist did an autopsy. He said to us in a written report that the man died from asphyxiation occasioned by manual strangulation, based on that our investigation proceeded but we have always said that the investigation is an open investigation and all angles are being looked at," said Karl Angell, director of communications for the Jamaican police.
Mr Zubair Mahmoood, one of two pakistani investigators sent to help with the case has told reporters something cmpletely different. He states that there is no evidence to suggest that the Pakistan coach was murdered.
Angell said: 'In private conversations with the police, Mahmood said that he is pleased with the way the investigation was going and he made no such deductions.'
It appears that the reporters have taken this out of context. These kind of reports must be upsetting for Woolmers family.
The complete report from the pahology and toxicology results are being analysed and are yet to be released.
I am hoping that there will be some conclusions at the end of all this.
"The pathologist did an autopsy. He said to us in a written report that the man died from asphyxiation occasioned by manual strangulation, based on that our investigation proceeded but we have always said that the investigation is an open investigation and all angles are being looked at," said Karl Angell, director of communications for the Jamaican police.
Mr Zubair Mahmoood, one of two pakistani investigators sent to help with the case has told reporters something cmpletely different. He states that there is no evidence to suggest that the Pakistan coach was murdered.
Angell said: 'In private conversations with the police, Mahmood said that he is pleased with the way the investigation was going and he made no such deductions.'
It appears that the reporters have taken this out of context. These kind of reports must be upsetting for Woolmers family.
The complete report from the pahology and toxicology results are being analysed and are yet to be released.
I am hoping that there will be some conclusions at the end of all this.
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