Woolmer's murder shocks World Cup but matches go on

By N.Ananthanarayanan

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (Reuters) - Cricket will be trying to come to terms with the murder of Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer on Friday when the World Cup will seem little more than a sideshow.

After days of speculation, Jamaica police announced late on Thursday that the 58-year-old Briton had been strangled on Sunday, a day after Pakistan surprisingly lost to debutants Ireland to be eliminated.

The International Cricket Council (ICC), the sport's governing body, said the World Cup would continue despite the shock of Woolmer's murder which has overshadowed the seven-week tournament being played in the Caribbean for the first time.

"Perhaps it will be a measure of the game and its resolve as to how we can complete this World Cup in view of this shock," ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed said.

More developments in the murder inquiry are expected, with Jamaica Police saying British, South African and Pakistan forces had been contacted over the investigation.

Media reports have speculated that the death of the former South Africa coach may be linked a sub-continent betting mafia but police will only say that everything is a line of inquiry.

The Pakistan team have completed their matches and flew from Kingston to Montego Bay on Jamaica on Thursday after being questioned by police. Team spokesman Pervez Mir said: "It's a very, very scary situation for us."

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