New Delhi, Delhi, India
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."
Manisha Natarajan, NDTV, +91 (011) 4157 7777 manishan@ndtv.com
Abhishek Mahapatra, Comma Consulting, +91 (011) 41354401/ +91 9811667727 amahapatra@comma.in
Source: NDTV (Business Wire India)
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