| Police say Woolmer death was 'suspicious' |
| KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) - A police investigation into the death of Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer continued Wednesday while the team was playing its last World Cup match. Jamaica's deputy police commissioner Mark Shields said the death was being treated as suspicious. At least 10 forensics experts on Wednesday were examining the hotel room where Woolmer was found unconscious Sunday. A Pakistan team official said there were signs of blood and vomit in the room and Woolmer was found by hotel staff on the floor with his mouth wide open. Woolmer was pronounced dead later Sunday after being transferred to hospital, a day after Pakistan had slumped out of contention at the World Cup on an upset loss to Ireland. At a late-night news conference Tuesday at the team's hotel in Kingston, Jamaica, Shield said reports from a pathologist and other medical experts gave police "sufficient information to continue a full investigation into the death of Mr. Woolmer, which we are now treating as suspicious." "We have already informed the Woolmer family of this development and we are also in close contact with the Pakistan team management, Cricket World Cup and ICC to ensure all parties are kept informed of the ongoing investigation." Shields had earlier announced that the findings of a post mortem had been inconclusive. Asked directly if Jamaica police were pursuing a murder investigation, Shield said: "No, we are not saying that." The news conference in Jamaica was called after reports emerged in Pakistan's print and electronic media of a murder plot. The death and investigation has shocked the Pakistan team, which was playing Zimbabwe on Wednesday. Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq admitted it was difficult for his side to focus. "This is a tough time for us because the coach is not here," Inzamam said. "The incident has disturbed the whole team also but we'll play our level best - we'll try to win this game on Bob Woolmer's account." After two losses, Pakistan has no chance of reaching the second round. Pakistan's cricket program has been reeling since Saturday's loss. Pakistan Cricket Board head Naseem Ashraf and the organization's three-member selection committee have submitted their resignations to the country's president, General Pervez Musharraf - the patron of the Pakistan board. Inzamam said the team wanted to go out on a win to honor Woolmer's memory. "We'll do our best for Bob, but whatever we do, it won't be enough," Inzamam said. "He was a good man. Whenever any of the boys had a problem, he'd sit with them, and we were very attached to him. "He was a very good coach and human being. Because of this, he had a lot of respect from the team. He was brave and knew how to handle the situation when everybody was feeling down. He will be well remembered." |
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