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MUMBAI: In an exclusive interview to NDTV, Gill Woolmer, wife of
the deceased Pakistan cricket coach, Bob Woolmer, denied any possibility
of a conspiracy behind Woolmer's death. Ms Woolmer confirmed to
NDTV that Bob Woolmer was very depressed after Pakistan lost to
Ireland in the World Cup as he could not believe how it could have
happened.
The news of his sudden death shocked the entire cricketing world,
just as the World Cup began. Brushing aside reports of a suspected
overdose of alcohol, she clarified that Bob Woolmer was not taking
any prescription drugs for diabetes. She also shared that the two
books being written by Woolmer were in the final stages but refused
to give information about when they would be published.
Watch the full interview with Gill Woolmer only on NDTV India at
1930 hrs on March 21, 2007. Gill Woolmer shares why she did not
go to Jamaica after Bob Woolmer’s death, his last e-mail, whether
it was drug overdose or a conspiracy, his relationship with the
Pakistan team, his books, on Cronje, threats he had received, his
philosophy of life, his future plans and a lot more…
Excerpts from NDTV’s interview with Gill Woolmer-
On pressure and tension
"I spoke to him last week. We used to chat almost every day
when he called up to get news of the family and everyday issues.
He didn't say anything specifically but I could see him on the TV
and I know him well enough to guess that he was under pressure.
I could read the expression on his face. He shared his experiences
with me all the time. He was very tired. All that cricket, living
out of a suitcase, the time difference and the traveling was tiring."
On alcohol
"He had Type 2 Diabetes; he was not prescribed any drugs for
it. All that reports about the drinking are also rubbish. He was
taking prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs and that is it."
On receiving the news
"I came to know about it when I got a call from the doctor
in the hospital in Jamaica."
On the Pakistan team
"He had a very good relationship with the team. They had
a lot of fun together and put in a lot of hand work too. The Pakistani
administration really looked after him well. All the boys are very
friendly, they are nice boys and I enjoyed their company. I never
lived in Pakistan; I only stayed in a hotel when I visited. Bob
also didn't stay in the house too long. He was constantly traveling."
On the day of his death
"I didn't speak to him after the match but he emailed me the
following morning. He did mention that he was really depressed and
could not believe how this could have happened. We discussed some
personal issues apart from this. "
On his plans
"His contract with Pakistan was getting over in June 2007
and he was planning to talk to the Pakistan chairman. He didn't
speak to me regarding any comeback but it was a possibility but
he had not made any decision as such. The Pakistani team's poor
performance affected him as any other big tournament that he lost
as a coach (like to South Africa). He believed that what happened....happened.....one
has to move on."
On not going to Jamaica
"I didn't go to Jamaica because the PCB rules do not allow
wives and girlfriends to accompany (anyone) till the team reaches
the semi-final stage. Now I don't see any point in going as it is
a long flight. The doctors and the deputy chief of police and the
PCB is handling everything very efficiently."
On the books
"I have the manuscripts with me but I have not read them.
I cannot tell you when they will be published but they are in the
final stages."
On conspiracy
"No I don't see any conspiracy in his death. I am aware that
his death is being viewed as a suspicious death. He had nothing
to do with the match fixing controversy and any such person being
involved is highly unlikely. We never got any threats as far as
I know."
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