Inzy hints Woolmer death should have halted World Cup

Pakistan's Inzamam-ul-Haq has said the World Cup would have been halted anywhere else in the world other than the Caribbean after the suspected murder there of coach Bob Woolmer.

In an interview with Geo Super sports channel today, Inzamam who stepped down as captain after his team's shock first-round exit from the World Cup, suggested the death of Pakistan coach Woolmer was due to a security lapse.

''If this terrible tragedy had occurred in any other country. If such a security lapse had taken place anywhere else they would stopped the World Cup,'' he said.

Woolmer, 58, was found lifeless in his hotel room in Kingston, Jamaica on March 18, one day after Pakistan had lost to Ireland and were knocked out of the World Cup.

The Pakistan coach was pronounced dead later in hospital and Jamaican police are investigating his death as a murder.

Woolmer's death being linked to ''betting mafia'' is also being investigated.

Inzamam also criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for not doing enough to support the players after Woolmer's death.

''The seven days we spent after Woolmer's death were the most tense of our lives. And we were surprised that the Pakistan board didn't rush someone out immediately to assist us,'' he said.

Inzamam also said the longer the Pakistan cricket authorities delayed announcing the captain to replace him the more harm it would cause Pakistan cricket.

''A delay will be harmful. I am surprised that the same people who were in my time pushing Younis Khan to replace me as captain are now discussing other names,'' he said.

Inzamam said he was clear in his mind that Younis was the automatic choice to replace him as captain.

The senior batsman also insisted his decision to retire from one-day internationals was final and he would not change it.

''I want to continue playing Test cricket and I am ready to play under any captain,'' he added.

REUTERS DH PM2155

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