Younis Khan, Pakistan’s highest run-scorer in Tests, recently shared his thoughts on the impact of Bob Woolmer's death on Pakistan cricket.
Woolmer, the former coach of Pakistan, passed away during the 2007 ODI World Cup, a time marked of turmoil for the team. The squad faced early elimination from the tournament and the shocking loss of their head coach, found dead in his hotel room in Jamaica.
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What did Younis Khan reflects on Bob Woolmer's influence?
In a recent interview, Younis Khan expressed his belief that Woolmer's continued presence would have helped Pakistan cricket.
“I have no doubt that if Woolmer had remained head coach, Pakistan cricket would have been very different today, and he would have taken it to great heights,” Younis said on a Pakistani TV channel.
Younis shared his close relationship with Woolmer, recalling their regular post-match discussions.
“I was very close to Bob (Woolmer) and it was our daily routine to sit down together after a match or nets to discuss cricket,” he said.
Tragically, the night of Woolmer's death was an exception, as Younis had isolated himself after being dismissed for a duck in a defeat to Ireland.
Younis also expressed disappointment with the lack of support from cricket authorities during the investigation following Woolmer's death.
“It was like a torture for us there. While I fully understand the responsibilities a player has to show as an ambassador of his country, it should be the other way round… authorities must also look after us,” he added.
What was the turning point for Younis Khan?
Woolmer’s death not only affected the team but also deeply influenced Younis’s perspective on leadership and responsibility within cricket. The stress and lack of support during that period led Younis to reconsider his future as captain of Pakistan which ultimately impacted his tenure and approach to the role.
Younis Khan’s reflections highlight the positive impact that Bob Woolmer had on Pakistan cricket and the void left by his untimely death.
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