Pakistan struggling without Woolmer, says Mushtaq by AFP

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Event:

ICC World Cup 2006/07

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DateLine: 21st March 2007

 

Mushtaq Ahmed admitted that the Pakistan team is having a hard time coming out from under the depression that has engulfed them following the death of coach Bob Woolmer.

 

The 36-year-old Mushtaq, the former Pakistan leg-spinner, was scheduled to act in the post of coach for the final World Cup Group D match against Zimbabwe on Wednesday at Sabina Park, following Woolmer's death on Sunday.

 

"There is a great vacuum because Bob was a part of the family," said Mushtaq.

 

"When you lose a member of the family, we all know how bad it can be. The whole team is depressed right now. The boys - and even me - have been totally depressed."

 

The 58-year-old Woolmer was found unconscious in his hotel room on Sunday, and pronounced dead a few hours later in hospital.

 

His death came a day after Pakistan lost their second straight match in the World Cup to make an early exit from the competition following two defeats to hosts West Indies and part-timers Ireland.

 

"It's a very difficult time, and all we can do is try. We are trying to overcome the emotions," said Mushtaq.

 

"We are making an effort. We are a professional side, and we will give of our best, but it will not be easy."

 

Mushtaq described the death of Woolmer as "the biggest blow that has befallen the Pakistan team".

 

"I have been going around to the different rooms, talking to the boys, and trying to get them out, and lift their spirits because there were far too low," he said.

 

"We have lost a father figure to all of us and we'll give our best shot in Wednesday's match.

 

"We are talking about someone losing their life. Though I have tried to lighten the mood and cheer the boys up, I myself am feeling very low.

 

"You are talking about someone dying. It's a tremendous shock and it's very difficult to recover. I myself can't do it, but life must go on."

 

Mushtaq disclosed the team was also trying to come to grips with the shocking announcement from Inzamam-ul-Haq that he was quitting the captaincy and one-day international cricket.

 

"Inzy is a very good captain and he is very good role model for this team," Mushtaq said.

 

"He has been an inspiration for this side. When he took up the job, we had a number of young players, and he nurtured them. There were times when he would sacrifice his own practice, and allow the younger players to have time in the nets.

 

"This shows how much of a team man Inzy has been, and following his announcement, many of the players went to his room to express their gratitude for all his guidance, and informed him that Pakistan had lost another good man."

(Article: Copyright © 2007 AFP)