Pakistan cricket reacts with disbelief to Woolmer death

KARACHI, Mar 18 (Reuters) The Pakistan Cricket Board said it was in a state of shock after the unexpected death of coach Bob Woolmer, who died today less than 24 hours after his team had been eliminated from the World Cup in Jamaica.

''We have lost a family member and his death is a great loss to Pakistan cricket,'' PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf told Reuters.

''I don't have words to express myself. This news has come as a great shock to me and everyone in Pakistan cricket.'' The Pakistan team's assistant manager, Asad Mustafa told Reuters from Kingston that a medical panel would announce the cause of death for Woolmer later today.

''A medical panel is currently holding a meeting with a senior representative of the World Cup committee. They will release the cause of death later in the day,'' Mustafa said.

Ashraf said he had spoken to Woolmer's wife in South Africa and expressed his condolences.

''I have told her that we will make all the arrangements for her to attend her husband's last rites. It is a shock to me because just three days ago I spoke to him and he appeared hale and hearty.'' HARD WORKING Ashraf returned from the West Indies two days ago after attending the World Cup opening ceremony and the opening match against the West Indies.

Ashraf said Woolmer was a dedicated and hard working coach who got along well with the Pakistani players.

President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister, Shaukat Aziz, also released condolence messages for Woolmer.

''His death is a great loss to the cricketing fraternity as he was undoubtedly a top coach. His death has come as a big shock to everyone,'' Musharraf said.

Former Pakistan captain Rameez Raja, who as chief executive of the board in 2004 had convinced Woolmer to leave his position as ICC high performance director and take up the coaching assignment with the Pakistan team, said he was shocked at the death.

''I just can't comprehend this development. Because he was a strong character and able to take criticism that came by way of being the Pakistan coach. He was very sincere towards Pakistan cricket,'' Raja said.

REUTERS SBA PM0141