Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer dies during World Cup

KINGSTON, Jamaica: Pakistan cricket coach Bob Woolmer died in hospital on Sunday soon after being found unconscious in his hotel room.

Woolmer, 58, played 19 test matches for England and also coached South Africa.

Pakistan team spokesman Pervez Jamil Mir said Woolmer was pronounced dead within an hour of being taken to hospital after being found on the floor of his room at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel.

Woolmer was survived by his wife, Gill, and two sons.

The cause of death was not immediately released.

Pakistan lost in an upset to Ireland at the Cricket World Cup on Saturday, ending its chances of advancing in the tournament.

After the loss, Woolmer that he would reassess his future in international cricket, but would like to continue coaching in some capacity.

International Cricket Council chief executive said Woolmer would be missed by "thousands and thousands of friends within cricket."

"We are greatly saddened by Bob Woolmer's passing," Speed said. "He was a great cricket man. His life was devoted to cricket. He played, coached and commentated on the game all of his life."

Speed said the ICC was working in conjunction with the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Pakistan government on a tribute to Woolmer

Mir said the Pakistan Cricket Board was waiting for Woolmer's relatives to arrive before making any arrangements.

"The Pakistan team and management are shocked and saddened by his passing," Mir said. "His next of kin have been informed and we extend our deepest condolences to his family."

Woolmer worked as a coach on three continents, including a stint for the ICC helping developing cricket nations.

Clive Lloyd, who led the West Indies to the first World Cup title in 1975 and is manager of the current team, said Woolmer "was a great guy and a really great coach."

"It's sad that such a tragedy should take place in the World Cup — I feel sad for his family."

England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive David Collier said Woolmer would be remembered fondly as a player for his 149 against Australia in 1975.

"The passing of Bob Woolmer in Jamaica today casts a sad shadow over the 2007 Cricket World Cup," he said. "Bob was one of the world's greatest coaches and as a player his innings of 149 lasting more than 8 hours against (Dennis) Lillee and (Jeff) Thomson demonstrated not only how talented a player Bob was but also his pride in wearing the England sweater."

But is impact as a coach was more immense, Collier said.

"Bob will be best remembered as one of the world's leading coaches," he said. "He embraced innovation and was at the forefront of many new developments in the game."