No evidence of match-fixing found in Woolmer death case: ICC

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today reiterated that no evidence of match-fixing or corruption of any kind was found in connection with the case relating to the death of former Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer.

Dubai, Nov 29 : The International Cricket Council (ICC) today reiterated that no evidence of match-fixing or corruption of any kind was found in connection with the case relating to the death of former Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer.

In a statement issued after the decision of the coroner's court in Jamaica to return an open verdict in the Woolmer death case, cricket's world governing body said that extensive investigations by the Jamaican Constabulary Force (JCF) and the ICC's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit found no evidence of match-fixing or corruption of any kind related in this case.

"It is a matter of great sadness for everyone within the cricket community around the world who knew and respected Bob as a fine player and, more recently, as a great coach. Our thoughts remain with his family and friends who are still grieving their loss," the ICC said."It is important to note that, following an exhaustive police investigation, no credible evidence has been produced to prove that there was any foul play connected to Bob's death," it added.

The Dubai-based Council further said that no motive or suspect for any crime to do with his death was established while three expert and independent forensic pathologists told the court that Woolmer "most likely died from natural causes related to heart disease."

The ICC assured that it would continue to lend any assistance it can to the JCF "should it be required to do so."

The investigation into the March 18 death of the former England cricketer was closed on Wednesday after an 11-member inquest jury handed down an open verdict in the case.

"We do not intend to go any further with these investigations," Jamaican Deputy Police Commissioner Mark Shields told reporters.

The court returned to an open verdict after it could not decide whether it was a murder or a death, as not enough evidence was found following 26 days of testimony from 57 witnesses.

An inquest into the mysterious death of Woolmer began in Jamaica on October 16.

He was found unconscious in his Kingston hotel room on March 18 after his side Pakistan crashed out of the World Cup.

ANI