Adil Najam
Pakistan plays its second group match in the 2007 World Cup Cricket against Ireland today.
Having already lost the first match to hosts West Indies, if the troubled Pakistani team also loses this game, it would have effectively eliminated itself from the tournament even before the ‘Super 8′ begin. On the other hand, if Ireland wins, it will be a wonderful St. Patrick’s Day windfall for the Irish.
Even though Ireland had pulled in a remarkable effort by tieing against Zimbabwe, the odds say that Pakistan will not lose today (and if they do, would there be any hope at all left for Pakistan cricket?). But around 20 per cent of our readers seem to think that Pakistan will fail to make it to the Super 8 - if not by losing today’s game, then by losing the last Group game against Zimbabwe. This according to the results of our ATP Poll on Pakistan’s prospects for the Cricket World Cup 2007.
(Click above for larger image)
The overall prognosis from the Poll seems to be rather bleak.
- A total of 398 votes were cast in the Poll.
- Some 20 per cent (79 votes) believe that Pakistan will not even make it past the group stage into the ‘Super 8.’
- This means that 80 per cent feel that the team will get into the Super 8. However, just about half (47 per cent; 188 votes) believe that Pakistan will not get beyond the Super 8 stage.
- A total of 34 per cent (131 votes) believes that Pakistan will, in fact, get to the Semi-Finals. But 20 per cent (78 votes) are of the view that the team will get no further than the Semi-Finals.
- 53 people (14 per cent) are of the view that the green caps will get to the Finals; and of these 43 (11 per cent of total) feel that we will win.
Personally, in this case I would hope that the majority is wrong and the 43 people who think that Pakistan will actually win the World Cup turn out to be correct. I hope so, but, frankly, I am not holding my breath.
Pakistan coach Woolmer dies
Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer has been taken to hospital after being found unconscious in his hotel room.
Early reports on Sky Sports News state that Woolmer was found in his hotel room unconscious at 10.45am on Sunday morning.
Woolmer was staying in the Pegasus Hotel close to the Sabina Park ground where Pakistan were playing their group games.
After being found on the floor on his hotel room, with signs of vomiting, Woolmer was examined by doctors before being taken to University Hospital in Kingston.
“We have taken Bob Woolmer to the hospital and he is in the emergency ward. We don’t know anything more at the moment,” Pakistan team media manager Pervez Mir told AFP.
It is not yet known what caused Woolmer to be admitted to hospital, or what his condition currently is, but the signs are certainly worrying for the Pakistan coach.
The Pakistan team spokesman continued: “We saw him last night but having not seen him early today two of our officers went to his room and with the help of hotel staff entered.
“He was found unconscious there.
“It is too early to say whether he has suffered a heart attack. We are awaiting medical reports.”
Woolmer, 58, had come in for intense criticism after Pakistan were dumped out of the World Cup following their shock defeat against Ireland.
The former England Test player’s contract as Pakistan coach expires at the end of the tournament, and there were already major doubts about whether the former South Africa and Warwickshire coach would stay on with the PCB or not.
Sky News going too far or is it true That Bob have died
Yep, he is dead according to BBC.
ooooooooooooohhhhhh God….this is really really so sad !!!
Ouch….. I am dumb stuck!!!!!
This is a sad, sad news.
Can someone please cnfirm the death news. Do not see anything on the web on this yet.
Had a massive heart attack.
With a heavy heart I am writing to inform that Bob has passed away. GEO just broke the news.
He must have been beaten by any member(s) of frustrated Pakistan team.
What Pakistan team has already done against Ireland is criminal and now I deeply wish that they should all be sent to jail atleast till next world cup :)
This from BBC: