Dear Bob,

The reasons for the negativity is not you or the team, it is the inconsistent and and strange policies of our board. And naturally the fallout is on the team and you. There were a few matches in South Africa where the body language of the team showed rejection and seems to have accepted the fate. That also helped to incite the emotions which we are very big on.

But you are all grown up professionals, who should understand the perals associated with representing a board like PCB. Unfortunately no system and no accountability are its biggest fames.

But as long as you all give your best shot, all the nation is behind you and will cheer till the last ball bowled or bated. We are all hopeful and I must say confident that we will see you with the trophy at the end of the tournament if the players can make use of the talent and mental strength they possess. At times they forget it but thats why we have you to remind them.

Go Team Pakistan and just don't look behind as there is only one way and thats up.

great to see pakistan back on a winning streak of sorts after the south african dissappointment. Bob firstly you have to take the pakistani media with a pinch of salt. Cricket is an extremely emotional issue here and you must have realised that by now. We have a tradition of rubbing the hereos in to the ground as soon as the going gets a little tough and make the same people larger than life when results are positive. Even if you feel there is some negativity shown by some writers, try and make it a point to prove them wrong!
Good luck to you and the boys! Whatever the situation is you still are representing us!!

Hi Bob and good luck for the tournament. I feel like a kid even though I recently turned 22, waiting for Tuesday.

We will all be behind you. Keep the spirits high and like Imran did in 1992, if they get down, remind them that there are millions of people behind them and praying for them.

They have the skill to win on Tuesday and this can set the Pakistanis up for a good tournament.

Bob great diary. Thanks for informing us about what's happening. Inshallah Pakistan will win the world cup. We just need some good form with the ball and cameos from Shahid Khan Afridi.

HELLO Mr. Woolmer

indeed, the lead up to the world cup wasnt the best one Paakistan would have wished for but the results of the warm up matches have lifted the spirits of our Nation. lets hope Pakistan puts up a spirited fight every time they go into the field. My only suggestion is that we should give consistency to the batting order as its too late to do any experimenting.

Best of Luck to Pak Tigers.

I would like to thank Kamran Abbasi saab purely for writing about Pakistan. Unlike his counterpart, Mr. Mukul, he has talked about Pakistan and not any other country. So I thank you Abbasi saab :)

hi bob, great to see the pakistani back on the winning streak, sami was a surprise, gul looked superb and the batting was good.

We will all be behind u, keep the spirits high and best of luck.

Great to know that the team is having a good time. The warmup matches went great too. I am hoping that everything goes well. The diary was very enjoyable, keep up the good work, both with the pen and on the field.

The team has got the backing of its 15 crore population. Inshallah all the prayers will be answered on April 28th when Inzi holds the cup high!

Instead of hiring Mustaq Ahmad as a Assistant bowler coach you should ask PCB to hire past great wicket keeper Rashid Latif to trained Kamran Akmal & other wicket keepers.

Recently, Kamran Akmal performance behind the stumps is very bad.

Mustaq can not trained our fast bowlers.
And Danish is a world class bowler,he does not need his advice.

Nadeem Shafi
London UK

How do you communicate with team players?

I mean which launguage.
Did you learn Urdu or Punjabi?

Do the players understand you completely?

Half undestanding is worst than no undestanding.

Communication is a way to success.

Raja,
USA

Hi Bob,

Gentleman I have a lot of respect for you.The fate always fovor bold. If sami and Gul bowl good with the new ball my hunch is that Pakistan will go to semi,s. Plz concentrate more on sami as we could see in the Picture:)Due to office timing I got willow subscribtion to watch Pakistan team live and wanna see perform well even my fellow make fun out of me that I wasted my money. We are all cheering you and keep the spirit high and forget shit media and ex players now cricket is change. Good luck Pakistan team
Amir from Toronto

Dear Bob,
The negativity of the Pakistani media is normal, they always look for the negatives rather than the positives, otherwise they would all be out of a cricket reporting job. As far as the ex-players are concerned, most of them are all bitter souls who either want your job, or are still upset about being sacked from positions by the PCB due to their own lack of performance and ability. My advice to you and the team is to go out there and forget about all these people, just remember the majority of the die hard Pakistani fans are with you and we all wish you the best. All the best to you and the team Bob. Good luck !

I wish the team best of luck and our whole nation is behind you. No one is perfect, perfectionists do not win you matches its those who rise to the occassion on that given day who win you games; and Bob you have plenty of those.

Hey Bob!
Come on man dont take it to heart! there is nothing more sweet than proving people wrong and you have an excellent chance to do just that.

Dont worry we are right behind you praying overtime!

Its my pleasure to thank you for the innovations you introduced in modern cricket. To me your best contribution was to take the game few years a head. Compared to other sports, cricket sometimes was too traditional, in terms of rules & regulations & methods. Your best achievement is to make a side tactically best & most strategic in the business, after having out of the game for 2 decades & started a type of cricket, introduced after they were banned.
For the Pakistan team, Bob, I have a lot of confidence on you & some where I feel, this side is not that ordinary as most of the pundits are thinking them. Due to injury (!), yes they lost Shohaib & Asif, but the first one is a blessing in disguise. A Pakistan team with Akhter is stronger one, but a team without is a better one, as they proved in WSC & in India. Yes, Asif is a big loss, but could be managed is Gul can raise his game (They are so similar as a type of bowler. Razzak's injury in one sense might help your course of selection (He can't play as 3rd pacer now & shouldn't replace Afridi or Malik). Now Pakistan can go with 3 complete quick bowler.
Considering the selection of 15, I had two objections, Pakistan is going with only 5 batsmen, what else, if Nazir starts poorly or any of their other 4 gets injured? I would have liked to see Hamid, in place of Arafat (Is he going to play any match, even if 2 bowlers are knocked down?) to provide a 3rd opener & also a backup Keeper. The second one is Danish. He is a magnificent TEST bowler, but I m not so sure about ODIs.
Mushi won 92 WC for his team, but that time it was in Australia & batsmen had to clear at least 85 meatres either side to slog him (Those day, like Ausi rules, there was no rope, a fielder could have taken a catch & laid on the fencing for balance)
Also, that time there were not that many South-paws in the top order. Imagine the number of attacking lefties in Top 5/6 in every team now (Apart from Pakistan) And finally, Mushi was one of the very best fielders at contemporary world that time, fielding regularly @ point, Danish is the worst in Pakistan team.

I had a feeling, that the winner of 13th March match will definitely reach last 4, (8 points should be sufficient, since we have two very good side, likely to qualify with 11 or more points, that means, you need to win half of your last 6 matches). Lets see.

Good to read Bob's diary, missed that at bobwoolmer.com for some time now. It is really good to know that Pakistan team is shaping up well. I wish PCB management had been more pragmatic in their handling of Shoaib and Asif drug fiasco. Since they knew, after the positive drug tests, that the drug would remain in the body for some time, the two should not have been allowed to go to South Africa or be part of any series until they came clean. And even though the appeals tribunal cleared them of the charges, letting them continue to play while the drug was in their body was against the spirit of the game. Keeping Shoaib and Asif out of the South Africa tour would have also given the rest of the team a better opportunity to prepare for the World Cup. My other concern now is that once the World Cup is over, will the PCB let Shoaib and Asif come back into the team without providing clean samples? I hope not.

Bob i hope the team play exciting and positive cricket even if they lose we know they tried hard.
don't take the pak media or ex players serious as long you guys give your best shot true fans will always behind the team even if they lose.
i hope Insha'Allah the team will go all the way.

Hey Bob,

All the best for the world cup, bring back the cup to Pakistan!!!! C'mon Pakistan. As a pakistani its upsetting to me how the pakistani media has behaved along with ex pakistani players. Forget that and its good to hear prepertaions are going well.

All the pakistani fans in Scotland have your full backing and hope you stay as coach no matter what the outcome.

Cant wait till we take on the Indies.

All the best,

Usman
Scotland

ps where did Inzi get his eat, sleep, gym t-shirt frm?! haha

C'mon Pakistan

Dear Bob,

Good luck for the World Cup. Don't worry about the Pakistani Media and the many ex players who have nothing better to do than critisise and try and remind people they are still alive. Imran, Javed and co u need to realize u had your time and now its these boys time. Let them play their game, experience the world cup, try their best and if they Win it will be awesome, but if they don't they tried their best.

Hafeez, Akmal to open, Younis, Inzi, Yousef, Malik, Afridi, Mahmood, Sami, Rana, Danish

And consider Mahmood alittle bit higher, everytime he comes in there is only a handful of overs left, he is a good player.

Good luck

Mr Woolmer and the Pakistani team,

Despite the scandals and the negative exposure by the media, myself and a huge number of Pakistanis still have full faith in this side. We have overcome setbacks like this in the past and there is no doubt that we can do it again.

You all have worked hard, you all have been tormented all along the way to Trinidad, but once you rise above the rest; which with the Grace of God you will, the very same people making these negative statements will be forced to eat their words and will have nothing but pleasantries for you all.

Remember, there are millions of us praying for this side. Do your best and let the prayers take care of the rest.

Asad Khan
Canada

Dear Bob,

Nice to read your input in the pakistan team's preperation.. lemme first tell you
that at the moment i feel like a little kid who knows where his gift is hidden and wants to peak into it a little before his birthday ...
i really respect this lot of cricketers that you and inzimam have put together .. although they are not the best team in the world they fight honestly and thats whats encouraging about this team ... i will be supporting you and your lads wether u win or loose but plz never throw in the towel

ALL THE BEST TO MY TEAMMMM.... MAY GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU AND GIVE YOU COURAGE AND STRENTH TO BRING HOME THE CUP....AMEN

DANISH
KARACHI, PAKISTAN

I wish the best of luck to my our heroes, my only question to you is BOB, for the last three years you and Inzi couldnt find any proper opening pair, couls u pls explain the genuine reasons pls, and i guess we are missing the opening phase in both departments , bowl and bat, what i see is usually the pressure will be on Inzi, Yusuf and Yunus, do u think they can win every game,

Bob,

Good morning from Baltimore USA:

It is a habit of most of our cricketers to give negative remarks in the media so don't take it to your heart. We need to do well in fielding and our bowling should not give too many runs. I hope you keep the boys intact! Good luck.

'The South Africans are my personal favourites'--BOB WOOLMER! bob u gota be kidding me? let me remind you that you have a professional obligation towards the pcb. it's the pcb thats been warming your poocket for the last 3 years. you dont see greg chapeel or john buchanhan or tom moody say things like that. seems to me that you are not confident in inzi's team.

Bob,I was one of your bigger fans,(barring the tiffs u had with Akhter since he is ahighly sentimental kind of guy and u being the coach SHOULD know to handle such PRECIOUS YET FRAGILE merchandise with care) but your comments on labelling South Africa as favourites,kind of discouraged me a bit.SO here I am thinking what kind of effect such statements it would have on the pakistani team.Bob, we all know, pakistan may not be top contenders,but to come out so blatantly and save your praise for your opponents(particularly since you are Pakistan's coach and not an outsider like one of us).Furthermore,Bob as acoach u need to instill some vigour and intensity in the one man that matters most in the field and that as we all know is our captain.I have great respect for him for his fighting abilities as a batsman,but he has to be more aggressive, and I dont mean just in mannerisms,but practically setting aggressive field placements.I hardly remember him ever doing that.We may not have Akhter and Asif but believe me in Kaneria,Gul,Sami and Afridi..and yes I say AFRIDI, we have some real agression that is just getting wasted.Furthermore,with the kind of injuries we have ,there has to be some kind of plan and strategy to avoid those mishaps.I can understand in the case of Akhter because he goes way beyond his 100% effort and stamina he's got,and of course the ferocity with which he delivers the ball(which is very unfortunate that you have always doubted his intentions),but the rest of our players are getting injured like crazy.Maybe give them some Eastern herbs and medicines for building their strength(but please have it analyzed first so we dont have another fiasco like the Akhter/Asif case). I seriously think that part of the problems with our fielding is due to reflexes being weak which may not be due to a flaw in their catching techniques or the "laziness"which a lot of us liketo label them. Bob,you may think that these comments from your "laymen of cricket"are worthless but I think you shold listen to the folks on these blogs.SO here again ... I cannot stress this point enough ....Please play kaneria,Gul,Samiand Afridi in all your big games and ask Inzaman to field . ......agggggggggrrrrressssssively ......thats the way to go.Agression sometimes in bowling can reap you much greater rewards than agression in batting.Its time Inzaman starts thinking like Imran Khan and act on those positive thoughts. On a different note,a lot has been said about Inzaman's method of bringing or trying to bring the team together through prayers I dont think there is anything wrong in that.The west have finally realized the power of sprituality and many are shying away from booze and are looking for alternate ways of finding peace and harmony amongst themselves,and finally feeling contented.Cricket is a pressure game of the highest kind.I tell my Amwrican friends that cricket is like playing chess onlyphysically ,while the other games I watch here like baseball and baseball remind me "GULLI DANDA " in comparision.Nevertheless, NO one should be coereced into prayers because than you are not bowing to the allmighty but to (GOD FORBID) it seems to the whims of the person coercing u to do that . So Bob, please make that note and educate Inzi about this.I am 100% sure his intentions are good but itcan misfire and instead of creating harmony,it can really play havoc with the minds of the players. Khuda hafiz

The negativity of the media is a reflection of most ex-players who have served Pakistan a great deal and they are frustrated of the PCB policies, planning and preparation for going forward. They have been trying to voice their opinions ever since world cup 2003, this is not a new situation where you or the team are at the receiving end, you do have to realize this being a wise man yourself that did PCB honored any of there heroes? NO infect they insulted Wiqi by stopping him from coaching our bowlers. Infect if he get an assignment in India the very same PCB and our people will the calling hen a betrayed. We cannot cry over the spilled milk greater share goes to the PCB and a little lies on the team management.
But I hope that criticism can bring some positive change into the team, after all my and most of the Pakistani fans only object is to see our team perform and win matches and even if they lose they put up a good fight so we can feel proud of them.

i am annoyed with the statement from bob that he has put dopwn S.A as his favourites to win the W.C this year. in my opinion he is openly saying that he doesnt give a fuck about pakistan team. after the world cup he will resign.

Hi Bob! I'm one of the biggest supporters of the Pakistani team and I love your coaching style and the way you made our team play as a unit after so many years of infighting and politics. Please ignore the media and the former players. They always say bad things about you and the team because they're just jealous and money hungry. No one even listens to them anymore. In our school, we all decided to watch every Pakistan team match at our school auditorium together so we can all cheer you and the team all the way! All of us here in Lahore are supporting you and our team to do the very best they can in the world cup. I hope we win the cup and we're all praying for that to happen but most of all I just want to tell you how much we all love having you as our national coach and how proud we are of our team. Please tell our team we love them, and we wish you all the best! We're cheering you on from our school and the entire country all the way! Go Pakistan!

Dear Bob

I really beleive that you with the assistance of Inzamam-Ul-Haq have installed some steel in this current Pakistan side. Unfortunatley the PCB stills seems to be run in a very amateurish manner. Until Pakistan have educated people who are professional, willing to listen & importantly willing to learn from mistakes at the helm of the PCB, this unprofessionlism will continue to give Pakistan's cricket team this reputation. If as is expected you do part ways with Pakistan I reckon we will have lost the only real opportunity to continue improving as a team rather than a bunch of talented individulas capable of playing well once in a blue moon. In regards to this world cup campaign, Pakistan does posses a real world class middle order coupled with Kaniera I think Pakistan have a real chance. I think the use of spinners in this world cup has been very much understated and in Kaneira, S.Afridi, M.Hafeez & S.Malik Pakistan have plenty of options in the spin dept (like Sri Lanka). Pakistan should make the semis if they play well as a team. Their form in the Carribean is pretty good especially in the one dayers. Inshallah, Pakistan will do well, Inzamam will enjoy his last world cup as the top run scorer and you may consider extending your contract?

Riz

I think the biggest hurdle Pakistan team will face is themselves. They must remember in 1992 they were one game away from elimination.Inzamam and Bob Woolmer must keep the team spirit together, the planning of each game, the psychology of each player, working on the strengths and weakneses, getting under the skin of your major players to undermine their threat, half of the games are won on mind games. I am sure Bob is under no illusions what it is going to take to go as far as possible in this tournament. I am not going to make silly statements like Pakistan will win the cup. I think it is the professionalism of teams like Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and possibly Sri Lanka will enable them to win the cup although Pakistan and India probably have the more naturally gifted players. I believe it is more about mind games that wins the war not the battle.

Hello Bob,

I really appreciate you keeping a diary and also allowing us to read it. I apologize to you on behalf of the fans for all the negativity.

Pakistan cricket is a special thing, it is unique. Us fans will always back our players up, if they play the Pakistani way. If they play with determination, if they play with courage, if they just keep on fighting till the very last ball; I guarantee you, win or lose, the entire nation will be behind them.

There have been a lot of victories in the past couple of years. The best one for me was against Sri Lanka in the ICC Champions Trophy. That day I was prouder than ever of my team.

Good luck to you!
P.S. you have done an amazing job so far.

Hi Bob,

I thought a bit before writing you, as I am sure every Tom, Dick, & Harry wants to give there advise, and wants to be coach to you. But it is the first time I see your blog and a chance to make a few comments, in the hopes that maybe we can see your reasoning behind some moves.... so here we go.
Well, let me start with saying, your are hands down the best coach Pakistan has had in a long time. People that are commenting on your success are driven politically, even Imran Khan. You have done a great job with the Pakistan team, and have brought a lot of respect to the team. You are a coach and I am sure you have your reasons to make certain moves, but certain calls some of us Pakitanis do not understand:
1) Everyone can see that Rana is not bowling well as an attacker. He has lost a bit, but he still does well towards the end, then why do you keep giving him the new ball....Once you give 30 runs in 2 overs, you can see the trickle effect on the team, it is psychological. It effects everyone on the ground, not to mention the the opponents batsmen gaining confidence.
2) Player fitness, I thought you being a western coach, you would address this first, but it seems it has taken a back seat. Players are very unfit.
3) Like in other professional sports, you rotate your players, there is plenty of talent all over Pakistan. In my opinion, if you rotate the players, you will find more talent, and keep some of your players fit over the long period. Give some of the other kids a chance. You or Inzy can run favors all the time.
4) One thing you could have in your tenure in Pakistan, is at least make Inzy a thinking captain. By thinking I mean a tactical captain, making strategies against not just team but specific players as well. Inzy by no means a leader, he simply does not have the quality to be one. Time and time again, we sitting here at home can see the batsmen taking the same shot at the same spot, but Inzy refuses to put some one to cover the field. When Pakistani batsmen come on to bat like Afridi or even Inzy, you can see the opponent cap changing the field and sure enough 80% it works out, and to me thats is a good percentage. Why cant you install this mentality on Inzy.

Well, we all know you are moving on after WC, most probably to England. God help the PCB after you leave. I think we will become bottom dwellers after you leave again.

Bobbi G: Your winning line-up! Also great job the past 3 years and if you leave after Wordl cup ends, well thanks for all your hard work, you did the best you could with all the set-backs the pcb created! Pakistani cricket is unique and tries to implode on its talent! Too much Drama mate!
I will say that I was not happy with the South Afrikan comments but I know your a fan of the game!
1)Nazir
2)Khan
3)MO YO
4)INZI
5)Malik
6)Hafeez/Afridi
7)Akmal
8)Gul
9)SAMI
10Rao/Mahmood
11)Kaneria

Underdogs! So thats what everyone is calling us now. Well, I'd say let them. It'll be much easier to perform with this label than having the expectations sky high. I shouted my first hurrah when heard the good news of losing the services of shady shoaib. Now we can definitely focus on this caboodle for some arousing performances. And don't put your tails down because some nutt jobs at Pak Media are trying to score attention by bashing you and your team. And don't put any attention to the fruitless ex-players either. As someone above me said it perfectly, they envy your job and drool to have it back. The only word in my head and in millions other diehard fans of Team Pakistan for you is "respect". If I start writing about your achievements for Team Pak, I could fill thousands of pages. We love to have you as our coach and respect your passion for the game, and the good thing is that you injected that passion in our players too, except shoaib who is a nutt job anyway. The seeds you've sewn will spit their fruits in the long run. Again in the end hats off to your commitment to our team and the game itself and I wish you and our team best of luck. GO GREEN!

Bob as far as I am concerned your a legend, but I urge you DO NOT PLAY AFRIDI and MAHMOOD they are a liability, afridi hasn't taken any wickets in the warm up matches and worse yet couldn't score a single run against canada! We have enough spin options with Hafeez,Malik and Kaneria. Mahmood looks like he hasn't seen a gym for years and I thinks it's better to play Arafat instead who is a better batsman and more consistent bowler.
In any case good luck

Bob, the ex-players who are the most vocal are Javed Miandad (who was fired as coach), Zaheer Abbas (who was fired as manager), Waqar Younis (who was fired/released as bowling coach), Abdul Qadir (who usually doesent know what he's talking about anyway) and Intikhab Alam (another guy who was fired as coach a long time ago). My point is, dont worry about these people. They're all just out to get a job and make some money off the PCB. Most of the cricket fans in Pakistan know what these guys are all about and dont really listen to them anyway. Just concentrate on the World Cup and please ignore the media and the sad ex-players of Pakistan who do nothing but talk nonsense just to fill their own pockets after having left or been kicked out of the game. The real classy ex-players - guys like Mushtaq Ahmed, Saeed Anwar, Wasim Akram etc are all publicly supporting the team and thats whats important. I wish you and the team the best Bob...Please dont take any of the negative comments to heart, remember those people just dont matter! What matters is the millions of Pakistanis around the world of all ages who are right behind you and the team. Best of luck !

hi bob i just wanted to say that i think your an amazing coach and you dont get enough praise for your hard work and determination towards the team.
you have been the best coach pakistan had ever had and i think you have what it takes to lead pakistan to victory in the cup. i just want to say that no matter what people say i think pakistan has a great chance of winning the world cup. please reply on my email address if you can and can you mail me your email address please. thanks
GOOD LUCK!

I read your comment about negativity in media about you people. I have been regular contributor of Dawn and The News for sports pages. We were negative about the way things have been handled in past few months by administrations. My last piece published in The News on 25th Feb was "Inzimam should bat at No.5". I backed him completely in that piece. I still maintained that we done in the past and we can and we will do well without Asif and Shoaib, inshallah. So our prayers are with you. Negativity is about mishandling of affairs, not about your talent or skill. Good luck. Win or lose just give your 100% that is all we want.On the hindsight, I think that you are lot better coach than what we had in the past in coaching department.

Dear Bob, I don't think you should have written the analysis on South Africa! I am not against anyone backing other countries and giving candid opinions based on merit but I don't think it was appropriate for you as a coach of Pakistan team to be writing about SA on an official website. I don't think it does good to Pakistan players morale and their perceptions. Let me say I am not against sayign SA are favourites - I too think that but you should not have written that. I would say same had for example Greg Chappell or Tom Moody wrote on Australia. People associated in official capacity should be neutral at this time and focus on their teams. I wrote following to my friend on email, that gives my views on that.

The team analysis that's going day by day by some expert is good but I am clean bowled on today's analysis for SA that's done by our beloved coach Bob Woolmer.

He says, 'South Africa are my personal favourites' - see the attitude, he should be saying Pakistan - I know what he means, purely on merit but is this what our players need to think. Could he not tell cricinfo to ask someone else for analysis on South Africa? Go and read the full thing - see the way he is backing them to win! Imagine Greg Chappell or Tom Moody saying this for Australia! He says it at least three times in that article, for example, 'Like I said, to me they are the favourites walking into this World Cup, along with New Zealand and Australia.' I don't think coaches of any team should be writing any piece like this. For all other teams it is done by fomer players but not coaches or managers or any one of present set-up.

The other thing I don't like is it seems he is given it full on ptiches. 'in the end it will depend on the type of surfaces we play on.' I know I have taken him sensitively, personally and seriously. I know all other analysts have talked on same line but please not the coaches of teams. Others have commented on adaptability but not left every chance to pitches. I like what Dravid has said that we don't discuss much about pitches in team meetings, we are trying to focus on performance (even when pitches will have lot of role to play).

Bob,
I was a little surprised to read the article that you favoured South Africa as your best team, followed by the possibility of Australia and New Zealand in the semis. Although this may be stating the obvious, given the ranking of SA as the No:1 team, I am a little ticked off that you did not consider Pakistan to be among the best. The article as I read it would indicate that you had little hope for Pakistan even making it into the semis. While this may be true and on given form may also likely happen, I would have expected the coach to have a lot more faith in his team and certainly to tout this to the world. This is not meant to undermine your coaching abilities but it seems a little awkward that the coach has almost ruled out his own team before the show has begun! In any case, good luck with the tournament.

Hi Bob,
I believe you have your trust in the team and the nation of Pakista have the trust on you. We all believe you can get this worldcup, Yes i believe you can. Best of luck to everyone.
And what a great way to keep us up to date, by writing this diary.

Hi Bob, good to see you're keeping a diary for us all to read. I'm reasonably optimistic about the tournament, as I think the key area will be the "part time" bowlers in the middle overs of the innings on some pitches that will take spin. I think we're well stocked here with Shoaib, Shahid and Mo Hafeez. I would anticipate a side that could potentially bat to 9 (Azhar Mahmood), a couple of opening bowlers (Gul + A.N.Other), Mahmood, and the middle overs spinners as above. Overall, I feel despite the loss of some key players we are in a reasonable position. Best of luck to you and the boys!

Man, I don't get it. One moment you criticize the media for wrongful bashing, the second you go on the record , saving all your praises for South Africa. Don't you get it man, you'r giving fodder to the pakistani media, by saying all this. Now I dont know, how the interviewer phrased his questions , or how old this interview was or in what context you said all those things at the brink of the world cup, but they wont do down unnoticed. Anyways, I just wanted throw in my 2 cents in this whole debacle: Pakistan teams over the course of history have been driven more by passion than method. The reason you were hired was to instill the later, but do not forget its the Passion which fuels Pakistan crickets momentum. The day you make them believe in themselves ad that they can win this thing, they will become an unstoppable force, believe you me and every single supporter of Pakistani Cricket.

Hi Bob,

Your analysis of South Africa is very accurate. You're well within your right to be giving such comments - its unfortunate though, that our people donot realize this. Its about time we stopped making comparisons - with Greg Chappell or Tom Moody or with any other coach! and about how they have'nt voiced their opinions. If anything, Bob's comments have probably put extra pressure on South Africa! Its not easy to live up to the expectations of being termed as favourites by a professional of Bob's calibre. Maybe, when we play against them in the super eight round (hopefully), they'll be overconfident and be complacent. I think at this time we need to trust the team and all the officials that are representing Pakistan - they are a better judge of what's going on there. and we all know Bob has done a great job of bringing good work ethics in our team. Let him do what he's so good at doing!

Good work Bob. Thanks for keeping us updated on the team with your diary! and Good Luck too! I can't wait for TUESDAY!

Hello Bob,

First of all, i would like to thankyou for your column, it made me feel closer to the team and it is always good to know about what is happening with them outside the cricket ground.

I would also like to appreciate all the hard work you and your team have done with the pakistani cricket team.

Best of luck for the world cup, and tell the whole team that there are many cheering and praying for them.

Bob and Inzi and team! Dont be warry of the politics,We are unlucky as a nation to have got Politics everywhere, even in games and is certainly shameful! we the fans believe in the individual strength of the team which on a gud dau can beat even brazil in a soccer match! we pray every match day turns out brighter for us.All of them out there know that we were exactly the same in 92 and we proved to them our might. lets hit the deck hard and there U go touching the glory!

Bob, don't be discouraged by negativity in the media and what you may see from us here on this forum. It is only out of love of our beloved cricket team that we may exhibit some negative behavious because we want to succeed so much.

Dear Bob,

ALL THE BEST TO YOU & YOUR TEAM.

I think if you can instill 4 simple things among the players, they would go a long way in enhancing Pakistan's pefomance:
1 - 100% Self belief in their ability and to play
as a united team
2 - Right shot selections (not to throw away
their wickets)
3 - Discipline in bowling and (without giving away
wides/no-balls)
4 - Good fielding

Even a 30% improvement in the above can make the difference between winning and an ordinary perfomance.

As a Coach, this is also your opportunity to become a HERO in Pakistan.

NEVER SAY DIE.....

Kind regards,
Zed Fazel
Leicester, England

Hi Bob,

Great work, u can forget the media and the pcb now, god willing the worldcup will be ours. I think we can definately do it. GUL and SAMI are our strike bowlers, Hafeez and nazir our openers. We just need to trust them and theyll produce the goods. I would also make sure inzi bats at least 4rth, so we can utilise his ability. You can also bat inzi before mohummad yousef at 3. We have nothing to worry about. GOOD LUCK BOB ALL THE BEST

NAZIR
HAFEEZ
YOUSEF
INZI
YOUNIS
AKMAL
MALIK/AFRIDI
MAHMOOD/ARAFAT
SAMI
GUL
KANIERIA/ANJUM

'South Africans are my personal favorites', this is what the Pakistan's coach has to say right before the world cup! bob,you have annoyed many of us. Then you complain about the negativity of media? Your statement shows how much trust n faith you have in the Pak team.I bet the Indians would have hanged Chapell if he had said the same for anyother team

Dear Bob,

Forget whatever they r sayin n just go there with all the confidence in the world as we believe in u people no matter what people say :)

Best of luck n just remember our prayers r with this bunch of God gifted boys... [well most of them r still boys ;)]

ACE, Dubai.

I am sorry to say that Woolmer and the Inzi both lack common sense and I completely agree with Shane Warne's comment that coaches should only act as managers. Both these men have not achieved any thing to be honest(other than making lot of money for themselves). Mr Woolmer, you were supposed to bring consistency in batting, fielding and bowling departments of this pakistani side. But if you analyze all three aspects of the game, Pakistan have not changed much. We always had the luxury of having few superstars in the sides and they won us games and same is the case now. I think any one can do the job you are doing. Inzamam, I reckon is not only physically retarded but also mentally as well. He is getting involved too much in politics of cricket as well and to be honest he is not even good at that. I think Inzi should let the administrators of pakistani cricket destroy the structure of the game and he should only play his role of destroying it on the field. I honestly believe this is what both are doing. I have no doubt that he is a good batsman but he is a useless fielder and mindless person on the field. But the sad thing is that I don't see any Ponting's or Fleming's in this pakistani team who could LEAD the team. This team is only going to go down. I have got a question for all readers. Do you guys ever feel while watching a game of cricket that captain like Fleming makes all the right moves (most of the time) and than Inzamam does something which makes you feel what the hell??? It happens to me all the time. That's why I feel that this guys has not got a good cricketing brain(as a captain). If you don't agree with me watch them how they perform in this world cup. One game they will be brilliant and the next game they will be hopeless.

The only good thing about this pakistani side is that they have made me believe that they are hopeless. And that's why I am not going to get the expensive cable connection to watch them play. Anyway, Good luck to the team bcz i think they will need lot of it.

Dear Bob Woolmer,

Coaching Pakistan was never going to be easy, and I should hope you would have enjoyed it - since we all know you enjoy challenges. The media is really cruel, what else can you expect from a country whose top political echelon is selected but never elected. With few exceptions, the Pakistani team has achieved an aura of professionalism under your watch, and the batsmen have matured. I think the folks writing odd things fail to understand what current cricketers can accomplish. Truth be told, despite having Wasim Akram in full cry in 1999, and Waqar Younis fully incharge in 2003, strong teams on paper, we just did not do well in the World Cup. On the flip side, when Pakistan were not even in the frame in 1992, an aging but mature Imran Khan, an ebullient and brilliant Wasim Akram, an inspired Inzamam-ul Haq, a hardworking Aaqib Javed, a stabilizing Miandad, and an outstanding Mushtaq Ahmed conquered the World Cup. Thus, being "not in with a chance" is not necessarily being without one. I believe Pakistan will do well without the "star bowlers" - who just took leave of their senses as professionals. The PCB on the other hand needs to be torn to the ground, and a comprehensive plan for Pakistan cricket needs to start from School levels (interschool tournaments, regional (divisional school tournaments) with top class facilities and better wickets. I figure it ewill take 10 years to produce a battery of people enough to make two First Test Teams and Two First One Day teams.
We hope Pakistan wins.

Bob,
This is the same media and people who will carry you and the entire team on their shoulders, if you win.
I have a question about Rana. Is he there just because his friendship with Inzi. Also, your obsession with bits and pieces players will cost us dearly. Pakistan is the only squad with only 4 specialist batsmen. Rest are neither bowlers, nor batters. Think about it...

Bob, (PLEASE READ thoroughly and give it some thought please)

I am keen follower of the Pakistani cricket team. I wanted to offer my advise, as it may not mean much but perhaps might reach you in good mood and spirit.

As far as the media is concerned and former players, don't bother with them. It's the millions of fans and believers this Pakistani team should conjure up motivation from. I for one believe this is the most open World Cup, and perhaps after looking at the new squad I think Pakistan may have the best chance to win.

Here is why I think Pakistan will win:

1. Pakistan should be able to bat 9 deep every match.

2. In the past (all) matches, we see that at least one of the young Pakistani openers gets out within the first 2 overs and Younis comes into bat. Well if that's the case Younis should open. I remember the SA match when Pakistan won, how Younis was able to rotate the strike and squeeze the singles and frustrate the bowlers. He should definitely be persisted with as an opener.

3. In one day cricket, you don't necessarily need attacking/wicket-taking bowlers as much as you need containing bowlers. In the current side, the MOTTO should be to CONTAIN runs and the wickets will fall automatically through frustration.

4. The pakistani side is the SECOND youngest side in the WORLDCUP. What this means is that we have a lot of young guys. WHICH WILL HELP IN FIELDING. These guys need to be passionate and save the singles and the doubles. We need guys with heart who will throw their body around. This is another reason I feel this side will do good, they are young and they have heart. They should be FORCED to field well. Please drive this message home to them.

5. Lastly, the make up of the side should be persisted with. I know Pakistan has not completely clicked as a unit but you have to persist with it so all the players get time make their adjustments and get settled in and know that they will be persisted with. They shouldn't have to worry about being dropped so they can play with less stress and pressure.

I would suggest the following... because of all the aforementioned reasons:
1. Nazir 2. Younis 3. Yousuf 4. Inzamam 5. Afridi 6. Malik 7. Akmal 8. Mahmood/Hafeez 9. Arafat 10. Sami 11. Gul

Sami should be included, he has imporveed a lot and should be picket over Rana. Keneria is not really needed, unless it is really a spinning track. LASTLY, if Hafeez is playing instead of Mahmood then Hafeez should go 7 and Akmal pushed down to 8.

Well that's all from me. And sincere GOOD LUCK

Sami from Toronto

Hi,

Is there any chance of Inzamam coming up in the order, maybe # 3 to solidify and Younis bat at #5. Since we have a long lineup of all rounders, and Inzamam can really consolidate innings earlier and higher up in the order and with Yousuf, Younus, Malik, Akmal and another allrounder they can go about the business.
So far, we have seen if the top performs well we get good total. Lower down the order it gets little nervous with the new hats or finding their place hats.

Bob,

All the best. Preparation and run up for the World Cup not been ideal but guess uncertainity is the only certainity in life esp if you are in the Pak camp.

The positive of this WC for Pakistan is going to be with exception of Inzi the rest of the boys are probably gonna stick around for next couple of years. To start this young team with WorldCup is probably the most ideal start. With right discipline applied, this team could go a long way in years to come.

Personally not very optimistic of Pak doing too well but hoping for the best.

regards

Hi Bob,

You are the best thing to have happened to Pakistan circket in past few years and it is quiet evident from the responses of Pakistani fans. I believe that winning and losing don't matter as long as the team gives a good fight and acquits itself honorably. We have a lot of faith in this team and they have all it takes to lift the cup, they just have to believe in themselves and give it a try. Wish you best of luck.

Hi BOB

I think the strategy to use Younis Khan as an opener will pay rich dividends in the end. On Pakistan's last tour, he practically had to perform the role of an opener because wickets always fell very early in the proceedings. I also think Hafeez would be suitable in the middle to the slog overs as he can hit the ball well, as well as run quickly between the wickets. But once Afridi is back, Imran Nazir should be dropped and Hafeez should fill into the openers role alongside Younis. The Pakistan team line up should be like this after the first two matches:-

Younis Khan
Mohammed Hafeez
Md. Yousuf
Inzamamul Haq
Shoaib Malik
Shahid Afridi
Kamran Akmal
Azhar Mahmood
Mohammed Sami
Umar gul
Danish Kaneria
Imran Nazir (12th Man because he is an excellent fielder!)
This line up would mean Pakistan would have balance in their team. With 7 bowling options, 8 recognised batsmen and 5 good feilders in malik, younis,nazir, afridi and hafeez. However, i am a little perturbed by the pace bowling options. Should the need arise, Rana naved or Iftekar Anjum could be drafted in for Kaneria. After all, despite the legspinner's potential and threat, he is very inexperienced in ODIs and can be taken for runs. My advice is to give him a go until late March and then decide whether he can do the job in ODIs.
Best of luck to Pakistan!

Fortune favors the brave!
Good luck Pakistan, you can show the world you can do it...even when your own coach does not think so. We certainly have a strong team that can win, we just have to play our best and never give up. We will have to consistently score over 300 to give the bowlers a fair chance.

Hi Bob,
Do you enforce a media block-out for the players? I thin kyou must. We don't want all this negativity to affect any players. I do understand that sometimes it can work in reverse and egg you on but if you're a playe ralready low in confidence and you read or hear people highlighting your faults, it could demoralise and add to the pressure to perform.

So I suggest, please keep them away from sports news from the papers and tv, if that's not already done.

Hello Bob,
Thank you for an excellent job. It is not easy to coach a Pakistani team. Thanks for putting up with PCB poltics too. Wish you best of luck.

Regards,

Hi,
It is correct and you are honest in assessing that the Media not only in Pakistan but the whole world and on top of it, you are also saying that SA, AUS & NZ and hot favourite and IND among them. Every Pundits are backing these 4 fours but I am sure, they will have to eat their words. You have been coaching these players for the last many years and all the players are the same. I am sure, you are very diplomatic and really you want to enter the WC under dog. You have been the lucky coach who has the honour of coaching the team in WC, I do not know how many times but I remember the WC when SA lost to AUS in England that is why you are going by experience and not harping on your team. It is a good idea and support you for this attitude. You are one of the relaxed coach at the moment and you are doing just great things for the team. I am sure and my blessing with you and the team and you are going to do WONDERS. You have the luxury in all the department like opening, middle order and top of it you posses all rounders and this will be key. No team has so much all rounders and I remember when India beat WI in 1983, it was the strength of all rounders and they beat them. This is time your time is equipped with this and you will win this world cup and will be part of the winning team as a Coach....you do try your new strategy, new ideas and this will be key in the Carribean Pitches. I think Rana will be key bowler in the 2nd phase of game when the pitches will be old. He got success in India and Pakistan and I am sure, he will be your key bowler. Do not care about the media, just play your natural and attacking cricket and not defensive cricket.

We are coming from Montreal, Canada to support you! There are good and bad times but we must always act civilized, specially when the team is under-performing. Being emotional is fair but we must be able to bare defeat also.. thats part of the game; you can not win all the time! Anyways, we are with you at every step of the journey!! i Keep up the good work and know you guys can do it! Good luck

HI BOB,
U WORK VERY HARD WITH OUR TEAM .AND WE WIN SOME GREAT MATCHES IN UR COUCHING.BEFORE UR COUCHING PAKISTAN HAD LOST ALOT THERE MAIN PLYAERS AFTER THE 2003 WC.PAKISTAN LOST BADLY AGINST INDIA AT HOME .THEN U COME TO COUCHING AND PAKISTAN BEAT ENGLISH TEAN HERE IN PAKISTAN.BEAT INIDIA IN INDIA .BEAT W.INDIES IN THERE .SO WE DONE ALOT IN UR COUCHING WITH YOUNG TEAM B/C IN EVERY TOUR U ALWAYS WITHOUT UR 1ST OPTION ATTACK.SO SO DONE ALOT WITH OUR TEAM.NOW IN WORLD CUP WE ALSO ESPECT THAT FROM U.PLZ JUST WORK ON BOWLERS NO BALLS ITS A BIG PROBLEM.ANOTHER THING FORGET OUR MEDIA AND FORMER PLYERS THEY ALWAYS JUST TALKING THEY HAVE NO PLAN TO DISCUSS WITH TEAM .THEY ALWAYS TALKING AGAINST THE TEAM.
THANKS FOR INFORMING US
WE HAVE TRUST ON U .
INSHALLAH U WILL DO WITH OUR TEAM DURING THE WORLD CUP

Dear Bob,

Really thnkful to you by placing pakistan team to such a good place. This is the only team in the world who can change the game at any point of the match.
They have players like Shahid Khan Afridi ( Shahid Dangerous Afridi ) who can demolish any type of attacks once he started.
From my point of view all pakistani players should concentrate on the game not on the spectators, if we look on the spectators then it will definitely discourage the players character. Also It will cost for the players, see the case of Afridi simply he got 4 match ban 2 in the world cup ), There must be unity in the team. All players should listen to coach and captain.

If these current players will play with unity then it is very difficult for any team to beat Inzy & Co.
Insha Allah I will pray for this team to get success in 2007 and coming world cups.

Good Luck Bob and team,
The nation (Except 9 critics!!!)support you.
We only want to see good cricket and thats what a world cup is about. Yes we do want outstanding display from Yousuf, younus and Inzimam (which they have always done and they will inshaallah do), but we want to see Sachin,lara smith, Kalis, ponting, dravid,Habibul Bashar, Rafiq, Sanath, Mahela, display their art too. The games will only look good if they are evenly balanced. The rest is part of the game.
Good luck and keep up the good work.
Aziz

Bob : Forget about the former players who are just a pack of bitter people always out looking for blood. Their silly comments dont matter. We all are behind you and have full confidence in this team's abilities. Just continue to re-enforce to the players how they must fight in every single game, never get complacent, and should be extremely aggressive out in the field. If they play with pride and intensity, then this team will go very far. I wish you the very best Bob! Have a great World Cup (fingers crossed)!

Hi bob,

I am sure you and the team will take the negativity of media and ex players as positive. It’s not your fault nor it is the players, actually the way the board is operating is the main cause of frustration.
Personally the blame that I can put on Mr. Bob Woolmer is that he never rose to say NO when the selectors and the board were bias in selection.
The only question which we should ask our self is ‘was and is Merit the main criteria in selecting the team”. The right selection can take us to the level where no one can compete us.

Now with the available resource we should ask Sami to ball on good line and length and let the pitch do its job, he should not exert himself for generating too much of pace. Gul who is good in pitching at the right spot should concentrate more on field placing because the opponents would like to take more singles on his bowling. Kanaria should keep on attacking and runs should not worry him. Azhar/Rana/afridi/Hafeez should be our other choice bowlers (10 over b/w them) and to be used as fit in for those having off days. Batting Strategy well bat for 50 over and runs will come. Simple.

Hi Bob,
I sincereley wish the Pakistan Team the best of luck in this world cup. However, I am amazed adn disappointed that you are still talking about trying various players as openers1 Surely, the time for experimentation is gone? Why mess around with Younis who is already well set as a number 3? You have had almost 3 years to plan and come up with an opening combo and have been unsuccessful in doing so. The most consistent batsmen with the best average Yasir Hameed has been dropped for the world cup, while Hafeez with an average of 19 is given a chance. Is this fair and what is the basis of this selection? Also, with Shoaib and Asif out I believe we have made a huge mistake in not selecting Shahid Nazeer who would have been very economical and a breat opening seam bowler in the world cup. We should have also played Abdul Rahman who has bowled so well in the limited chances he has gotten. I believe playing Rana is a huge mistake as he is averaging 7-8 RPO as a bowler. Rana has has a forgettable last one year. It is common knowledge that you and Inziman are interfering too much and not letting the selectors do their job. You have selected players like Rana, Malik, and Hafeez who are not fit to be selected on merit basis. I challenge you to prove to us that these three deserve to be in the team based on their record over the last one year. When was the last time Shoaib Malik played a match winning knock as either bowler or batsmen? I fear that this biased selection policy will cost Pakistan the world cup.

hi bob
i just want to wish u and inzi best of luck. forget abt shoaib,asif and razzak. this 15 member squad is representing our nation. let ex players talk what they say, dont worry abt them.
fight hard till the last moment and we ll accept whatever the outcome is.
go n win world cup for us the whole nation is behind u and dont forget to play kanaria.

hi BOB
as long as boys are giving 100% and willing and reagy to give 110% you will face no bashing from nation. its my promise as a pakistani naional. go out positive and play like a true fighter and make positive policies. make sure some how some how inzi come up in the order, he is not an athletic player best way of his play is stroke making and best place and time to play this game without any kind of pressure is up in the order iand inside power plays. but you people know ur job very well. we are behind you in any case but just give 100%.

Good luck Bob and Pakistani Cricket Team. I dont care and never cared when ex-players criticised Pak Team and you Bob. Had they been any good, they would have been able to build a professional PCB and help flourish cricketing talent in Pakistan. Yes media has been bias towards you but I hope that you will come out good.
Tahir Mukhtar

Pakistan Cricket Board;s mismanagement of the doping scandal and Inzimam/Woolmer's poor planning and biased selection polcy have doomed the Pakistan Team in this world cup. Thanks to the PCB's stupid decision to test Shoaib and Asif just prior to the Champions Trophy a pandora's box has been opened and the team has been deprived of it's two best bowlers for the World Cup. What a waste! Thanks to lack of a merit-based selection policy the best players hasve not been selected a number of players with mediocre records over the past one year like Hafeez (ODI avg. 19), Malik (when has he won Pakistan a match?), and Rana (he is routinely averaging 6 or more RPO in ODI's). Meanwhile, more deserving players like Yasir Hameed (has the most inconsistent and highest average of all the openers tried) and Shahid Nazeer have been ignored. Shame on the PCB and the Team Management!

Dear Bob,
You are a real gentleman person. Best of luck to you and your team. I can bet that if this paki team wins the WC, the President of Pak will offer you Pakistan Citizenship or may be offer you PM seat in the next election. My advise, be aggressive and give you best shots. Inzi is v stubborn guy you have to shake him all the time.

B.t.w I am fond of computer games too... what game you are playing these on your famous LAPTOP...

Hi Bob,

Best wishes to you and the boys for the tournament.

You will always get stick from the media and ex-players; use it to spur the team on... we can only ask of you that you do your best.

But whatever happens, true supporters will always support Team Pakistan.

We know we can do it... Pakistan Zindabad!

Najam

Lets be realistic here, Pakistan team are no where near a chamopion outfit so if they get past semifinals its going to be a surprise (so I feel for Inzi). Having said that, the competition is not that hot at the moment so I hope on that basis the luck runs with them and they are succesful.
As for Bob Woolmer I like the man and I think you (Bob) will miss the real passion of Cricke when you leave Pakistan to join England so learn hard these few weeks as you will not get passion like this in England. Nothing teaches like lessons of being at the forefront of pressure.

There is no time left to prepare now. The time is now for the players to show what they are made of. As a dedicated pakistani supportor, I just want to wish our team the best of luck. Hope that they will put in their best effort.

InshAllah Pakistan will lift up that trophy and bring it back home where is really belongs...

Hi,

Bob firstly you don’t have to worry about Pakistani media. Cricket is in the blood of this nation and Pakistani always take it seriously and I hope you know that very well.
This is the part of the Pakistani culture to make the players Heroes of the nation provided if they have achieved something in their life for the nation like Imran Khan (1992). And at the same time they gets emotional when Pakistan Cricket Team lets them down.

Even if you feel there is some negativity shown by some writers, try and make it a point to prove them wrong.

It’s nice to hear about Pakistan’s World Cup Campaign. I’d like to say bob that you just need to give your guys self-belief of winning. I can tell you that Pakistan team is the best and they can beat any team of the world. This is something, which is not unusual for them. They have proved this in the past and we know they can do this in future.

I can tell you that you will be remember in Pakistan’s history books if you delivered and won the World Cup for the this nation. We will make you a shining star up high in the skies.

Bob I wish you, Inzi and Team Pakistan all the best. This nation is behind you and hopes for your win.

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!

Shahid Virk, UK

Hi Bob,
Nice to hear you guys are enjoying yourself. I hope you guys do well.
I think the negativity in the fans and the media is not on the team its on PCB, the mangament or the lack of it of the players and the coaches has caused all this. You have to note that the chain of responisibilty in PCB is not so straight forward, therefore if something goes wrong the only people who are blamed is the team as the media and fans dont even know whose fault is it.

ANyway i am very happy with the way Pak has performed in the past 2 years...actualy i was very happy with the performance against South Africa too. Just make sure we pay them back on nuetral grounds.

Good luck to Inzi & CO...i will pray for you guys...Give it everything you guys have got!

Hey Bob,

Thumbs up on the diary - an excellent way to keep the fans involved, although I suspect you have outsourced screening and reading the comments.

I would just like to say one thing, please do not play Sami, I beg you - every Pakistani fan begs you: PLEASE DO NOT PLAY SAMI. He doesnt have the ability or the mind or the heart or even the face of a winner, and he has gone to great lengths and sixes to prove this. Just think: can sami win a match and before the you can complete the thought there will be buzzers ringing all over the place. Actually you dont even have to ask the full question - you just have to ask can sami... "NO!!". He's useless!! (except for hugging in the pool - btw whats that all about?). Hell even if he bought the only ticket of a one-ticket lottery he would still wouldnt win. Even if he played against himself he would lose. Please put him on waterboy duty as he is the crappiest player ever to pose as a bowler, even Ata-ur-Rehman was better than him.

Now I understand that you are short on resources so here a few suggestions:

1. Play Rana: a far better player, plays his heart out and thinks his game through.

2. Dont play: still better than the humilation and trauma of playing Sami.

3. Go in - with the spin! Thats catchy as well (note the pun =D). Play Afridi, Hafeez, Malik, Kaneria with Azhar and Gul. That way you have batsmen all the way until...#9.

4. Same as 3 but kick out Kaneria and use Rana. Now you have batting until #10.

Seriously Bob, you have to do something unconventional now, Jazz up the order, this traditional approach really isnt working. I have to agree with those who want Yousuf and Inzi to play at 2 & 3. Use Younis as the opener, he has the attitude to see the innings through. And finally let the Afridis, Maliks and Akmals loose on a solid platform.

Simple fact is that we will not win this world cup through bowling, we have to let our batting do the talking, and we have the firepower to accomplish that.

Oh and just so you dont forget: dont play sami...puhleeezzz dont play sami.

Hi Bob. Just wanted to wish you and the Pakistan Team Good Luck for the tournament. Hopefully the team will click well and play as the professionals they are and win the World Cup. Its been done before and can be done. I dont think that the Shoaib and Asif affair should distract you from your preparations for the tournament. As a matter of fact, no issues whether media related or board related, should deter you from your task ahead. I think you are doing a great job. Keep up the good faith!

If Greg Chappell says India will win, and if Tom Moody says Sri Lanka will win, and indeed if Bob Woolmer says Pakistan will win. These opinions aren't worth much - as their bias is obvious.

Bob is to be admired for not being biased and being honest with his opinions. Shows he is not delusional, which is why he has my support.

Bob

I would like to to voice my support for you and the players and wish them all the best whatever the outcome. I know in my heart that they will play to the best of their ability.

You have been a great coach and I hope that you can continue after the world cup. I for one, do not see your critics/detractors doing any better coaching Pakistan. Let them be negative all they want, it's what they are good at and you, at your job.

Pakistan Paindabad!!

Bob! You are the only coach in memory that brought some much needed stability to our team. Had it not been for factors beyond your control we would have been favourites to lift the cup. Anyway I think not being favourites is a blessing in disguise. Not having Akhtar is an even bigger blessing! I also think we do have apt replacements for Razaaq. Asif's absence would hurt no doubt but if warm ups show any signs to go by, Pakistan has a strong enough bowling line up to beat the best. A consistent Sami is however crucial. If he is at his menacing best alongside the ever accurate Gul we can make up for the loss of Asif.
In response to some of the above posts: you are perfectly entitled to your opinion regarding favourites. I don't think that it is a matter of loyalty at all. I disagree with the statement that it lowers the morale of team pakistan. In fact it boasts the morale as we have beaten the favourites in the warm ups!

Hi Bob!
Though you have done alot in the last three years as coach. Most of us think there are still a few areas in which you could or should have done better.

Now its not worth mentioning as you are expected to leave in near future & I wuld like to THANK you for everything you have tried & done with the team. You may not be the perfect coach but you certainly have worked hard & HONESTLY with the team. Only Waqar's incidence is against you as he could have been good for the team in current situation.

Regarding comments in the Pakistan media, you should take them in the same spirit as you gave your comments regarding South Africa.

For us, a defeat with pride does not matter but a humiliating defeat will always be unacceptable to the nation.

GOOD LUCK to you and all the boys. May ALLAH help them. Ameen.

Bob your diary is very informative and the fans will be content to know that the boys in the squad are practicing hard, especially on their fielding to prove the pundits wrong, and pull up some extraordinary surprises.

Pakistan like other Nations in the sub-continent is crazy for cricket and whether the boys win or lose, the emotional supporters will never stop rooting for the boys and the coach. The negative reporting in the media or critical comments of the ex-players are no longer relevant and please do not be distracted by those remarks. In fact, the majority of fans in Pakistan and overseas, including those who penned the criticism can't wait to see the team win this World Cup. I can't say that it will definitely happen,and I know the professional experts including you (as you predicted South Africa as your favorite team to win the WC) do not give Pakistan any chance.

In my opinion, under your excellent Coaching and motivation, the Pakistan team is very capable of reaching the last four and beyond. Sami and Gul are good enough to replace Shoaib and Asif in the pace bowling department. Rana Naveed is expensive, but can take wickets. Kaneria is a world class leg spinner. Pakistan batting looks strong and in the warm up matches Inzy, Yousuf, Yunus, Hafeez and even Kamran Akmal have posted decent scores. They will carry that momentum in the tournament.

We are counting on you to help the boys believe in their abilities. Win or lose, the boys in the squad including the Skipper Inzy must elevate their game to the next level and play sensible cricket of the highest quality.

Every team will play their hearts out to take the Cup home. The team that plays hard and has the strongest desire to lift the cup will clinch it.

Go Pakistan. Go Bob. Go Inzy. Tell the team that millions of fans still believe that this is our best team and it can win the World Cup 2007.

I agree with many others here. Bob's comments should have let the team down for a while, to say the least. While your coaching record is worth reckoning, unfotuntaley, things were not that good with Pakistan. Well, Lets leave everything aside. You are professional and you know how to handle such situations: the team was down, now they are on up travel but still carrying underdog tag. You along with Inzi need to lead them up, make them mentally strong to fight with Aus or Ind.You have to sort everything. Less time and big job. Best of Luck Bob!

I think that we should get over the criticism part now and try to look forward to the best performance from the team.We have the talent,its just the mental strength which will be tested on the field. Win or lose, It has to be a dignified battle.

Hi Bob,
Please remind the boys that the Pakistani people are behind them 100% not only in Pakistan but throughout the world. We are a proud cricketing nation and this world cup in a great opportunity for our boys and yourself to cement your places in history. Forget the negativity and play like cornered tigers I know we can do it inshallah.

Dear Bob,

I feel that articles like Sarah Khan's should be read out to the entire team to make them realize that they are not only playing professional cricket, but they also have many hearts to keep by trying their best in every game they play no opponent can ever be taken easily, however It's O.K to loose as long as you have given 110% and it shows.

We are proud of you guys especially over the last few years as alot of you have turned towards religion, but complete turning would also mean honesty, hardwork, dedication, discipline and positive attitude from all of the players.

At last i pray to ALLAH that the Pakistani Muslim team is victorious and i know that if you stick together and follow the above you can make it to the top.

hi bob v hv trust on u that u vl make our team succeeded in the wc.wc squad is balanced but v r missing salman butt in the wc squad.plz tell us that who is ur fav cricketer in present pak cricket team.best wishes 2 all our team members specially shoaib malik. always remember u people are tiger n u can win the wc INSHALLAH

Salam.....Dont know much abt cricket or the players but i am very happy to see Sami come back into the team....As i have heard we do the best when our team is not the strongest the case right now...so hoping and praying for the big win!!!!!

Hello Mr Bob Woolmer and the Pakistani cricketers
Thanks for your info about the team. I think there is a lot of negativity because of the chaos, controversies and uncertainty sorrounding the Pak team lately. With confusion about Shoaib, Asif, and their replacements and the opening batsmen dilemma as well as the wicket keeper making mistakes, fans of our cricket team are very passionate about how these deficiencies are taken care of. We all want our team to do well in this World Cup and always and sometimes we feel either yourself, Inzi and/or the PCB are not doing enough to improve the situation. Because of our passion for Pakistan we feel we all should have a say on team improvements. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you can play a role in making the players mentally tougher and instilling a positive atmosphere around the players.
Anyway, best wishes from all Pakistani cricket fans the world over to you and the Pakistani cricket team, and as long as the team plays with pride and passion, we will have nothing to complain. CHEERS !!!

I wish the team best of luck and our whole nation is behind you. No one is perfect, perfectionists do not win you matches its those who rise to the occassion on that given day who win you games; and Bob you have plenty of those.

Dear Bob,
I dnt no why im writing to you because i know you will not read this. All i want to know is in the past 3 years what exactly as coach have you done successfully?? I know a few things like getting our main strike bowler Shoaib Akhthar out of the team and wasting talent like Yasir Hameed and Salman Butt. In the past 3 years you have tried over 8 openers i mean how can a team be successful if you dont know who to open with?? I am a great fan of Pakistani cricket but i believe that Pakistan should consider to withdraw their team from the world cup because i dont think us Pakistanis can bare any more humiliation of Pakistan getting defeated heavily!
Ahsan
London

Hi Bob,

Here we are at the door to the dream called world cup to this lot of young cricketers from Pakistan. Barring a few glitches up to this point I think every body will find it in there heart to put away their bag of grievances and get behind the team as a nation should at such an auspicious occasion. Like every body I have an opinion about the show and I'll be darned if I let this moment slip by with out giving it to you. So here goes. In my estimation Sami holds the key to this whole equation. He is a bowler who can bowl quick through the air and has a natural outwsinger. In my opinion he is a loose cannon but! how you handle him will dictate how quickly and effectively you are able to run through the opponents batting line. The other key to this is Rana! I mean you will have quite a few specialist bowlers to choose from but I would certainly like to see him their and again his effectiveness will depend upon his usage. I know that you can't go out their and bowl yourself but you can certainly drill it into their heads that they could go out their and be heroes and that the stage is set for it.

GOOD LUCK BOB & PAKISTAN TEAM
AT times it is nice to go down into the tournament as underdogs as it takes the pressure off our youngsters.I think in this world cup they would do well.The hard tour of South Africa have toughened them up.Absence of Shoaib and Asif might prove to be a tonic for the youngsters to show their true grit, they are all so talented.This is the time to click.Needless to say Inzi, Yusuf and Younis must hold their nerve and guide Pakistan Inshallah to another World Cup glory.All the boys must do well Inzi! BestWishes and our prayers with you all, we shall be glued to TV, must win tomorrow, Inshallah.

Hey Bob,
great diary, well i have full hope for the pakistani team. they do have the skill to win and hopefully they will be undefeated. there is a loss in the team due to injuries, but the other players are also skilled enough to back it up just right. Good luck for the World Cup
Umair Khan
Toronto

Dear Bob and the rest of the Pakistani team:

Good luck to you all. Play with a desire to succeed. You have strong hearts, undeniable talent, but make sure you use your brains as well.

Regards,

Farhan Aziz
California

Hi Bob

I believe in you and the team. Bring the cup home.

First off, thanks for writing your simple but interesting diary. I enjoyed it thoroughly and am happy to know that you guys are having a good time in the Caribbean. Please keep up the good work of writing your diary for us.
All of us - the fans, know what a bunch of Jokers the PCB are and we are all well aware of the intentions of sick minded ex-players (do not want to mention their names) who know to criticize only. The best service they can render to Pak team and fans is to just shut thei bad-mouths up. Media people in Pak earn their bread by making sensational stories mostly based on rumors. The fact is Pak team was in much worst shape when you took the charge as a coach. You have done a commendable job as Pak Coach and I can foresee that despite all those non–cricketing issues, that have tormented the team so much in the build up to the world cup, has not dented the spirit of your team. I am sure that your boys will answer to all that criticism by their performance.
On a different note, your comments for SA did not disturb me personally at all and I am sure that Pak players also know in what context you praised South African team. Although, I do not like the attitude of S African team (most of them are very rude and do childish things on the field ) but I think that they should be an example to our team in some departments. However, a full strength Pak team can beat S Africa on any ground on any day and everybody knows that they are CHOKERS in the world cup and may not reach even Semis this time.
Lastly, my best wishes for you and Pak team and hope you will have a wonderful tournament that will make you proud for the rest of your life.

Hi Bob,
good to read to ur diary,main game starts tomorrow i hope u have done ur homework on home team.we are not afraid of losing the only thing we want from our team to fight till the end.
Best of luck to Pakistan.
Inshallah we will win the cup.

i have alot of respect for u man. u have really improved the pakistani team. let the media and other people say whatever they want. don't pay attention to them or don't let them distract u and ur player from cricket. i don't expect from pakistan to win world cup or be number one but what i expect is a semi final or final. i would love to see pakistan winning but if not wining the wc, semi final and final is the place where pakistan belongs to.
as far as opening goes
opening with younis is a good idea and while playing yousuf and inzi in thrid and fourth. i hope to see this bating combination and overall best of luck to u and to ur team
no mater what happens i have respect for u and pakistani team.

Hi Bob,

Our goof wishes are with you and the Pakistani team. Just one question that i cant get my head straight on is that why is Rana Naveed always preferred over M. Sami? We have seen the difference between the two very clearly in the first practise match.
Lets see who will get the chance tom. The action starts tom and lets all back our team.

Hi Bob,

Our good wishes are with you and the Pakistani team. Just one question that i cant get my head straight on is that why is Rana Naveed always preferred over M. Sami? We have seen the difference between the two very clearly in the first practise match.
Lets see who will get the chance tom. The action starts tom and lets all back our team.

V BEST OF LUCK TO PAKISTAN ,, U WRITE WELL , CONTINUE THIS DIARY , THIS WC 2007 SUITS MY OFFICE TIMINGS SO V L HAVE THE CHANCE TO WATCH ALL THE GAMES , PLZ CONCENTRATE AND PICK SAMI FOR ALL THE MATCHES AS HEZ THE ONLY QUIK BOWLER U HAVE ,MEDIUM PACERS CANT B RELIED UPON TO WIN MATCHES, AND PLZALSO PLAY WITH SPECIALIST OPENERS , NOT WITH SHAHID AFRIDI AS HE CAN HIT THE BALL EQUALLY WELL EVEN DOWN THE ORDER.V BEST OF LUCK ONCE AGAIN ........

GOOD LUCK TO YOU AND THE TEAM, BOB. WE ARE ALL BEHIND YOU IN BRINGING HOME THE TROPHY!!!!!!!

Bob, you need to pick some young and telented fast bowlers from pak. Pak success was alwasy depend on young players, but from last three years we have only 30 players pool and more than 20 players in this current thirty players are worst. i don't know how they get into this pool. this thing will not work for pakistan to pick a players of the ages between 25-30. coz in pakistan most players has fake ages. if a player with age of 19 its mean he is already 21 to 23.
pls if u wana make pakistan cricket again alive than pls pick players like Imran ALI fast bowler in the U19 worldcup. i am sure its hard for u to pick young players from pak domestic cricket. coz u never watch the paksitan domestic cricket. if u wana improve pakistan cricket pls must watch pak domestic cricket and bring players from there and leave this pool of 30 players away from pak cricket. i would say players like imran fahrhat doesn't deserve even club cricket and u picked many times him on international cricket.
look at azher mehmood too old for cricket do u think he can hit sexes or fours at lower order when u need to score fast? never ever and look at his bowling speed less then 125 with no movement. then what he is doing in the worldcup? it doesn't makesense to me.

Hi Bob
Dont you feel now that you guys should have retained Kaneria in South Africa for the One Days ?. It was worth giving him a try over there instead of getting him in the Mega Event Straight away.

Liked your diary. Keep it up. Its nice to be in touch with my team via your diary. Keep it up and best of luck!!

Bob
The silent and sane Pakistani majority is behind you and Inzemam. This is the strongest middle order batting that Pakistan has ever had and we all need to appreciate it. Inzemam as a captain is solid and confident and that is reflecting on the team as well. You can do it. All the best!

Naming South Afric aas favorites and Aussies and NZ to reach the Semis? Nice Going Bob. Shows great faith in YOUR team, Pakistan. I am surprised you are not backing Zimbabwe to reach the Super 8's afer demolishing Pakistan. Then again, perhaps you are?

Hi Bob,
Some people may think i'm wrong but i believe you have worked hard for us and for Pakistan.I am trembling with excitmentfor the first match and i hope you will bring the Cup back.

hi Mr.Bob how r u,i hope ur fine.will i dont know why u dont like Shoiab but every body and all pakistan know he is a match winning player and now he is out with world cup.i dont know wat will happen in our matches bcz our bowling trace is vary weak but i hope Umer Gul and Sami do his jobs nicely bcz now they will do everything for pakistan to won the match.about the opening.Imran nazir and Hafeez is great for the opening.i like imran nazir so much and he is a good striker and abt his fielding WOW he is a nice fielder but i dont know why the comantators laughing on imran nazir.i hope he will show hisself teh all the world of his perfomence.BEST OF LUCK TO ALL OF YOU.

Hi Bob,
Just forget whatever happened just before the worldcup. Victories against Canada & South Africa were impressive. Inzi, Younis, Yousef & Afridi must give their 125% as they are senior members of the squad.
Don't worry about the support. Just win few good matches and the whole world will be behind you and Pak Team, Inshalah.
Best of Luck.

I can't believe that Mr.Woolmer named South Africa as his "personal favourites"to win and then complains about the negativity of other pakistanis!I can't imagine the Australian,Indian or any other National coach making a similar statement about their sides a few days before the world cup starts.

I'm sure all those over confident patriots are eating humble pie. When are these 'experts' going to realise Pakistan simply do not have what it takes to win a major Trophy. They were extremely lucky to survive in 1992 only to win it through devine intervention. They have had in the past far better talented players only to fail to make the grade. The current crop of players apart from Yousaf, Inzamam and Younis on a good day, can give a good account of themselves. The players are totally undisciplined bunch, their feiding is pathetic which normally costs the team 20-30 runs, the bowling is simply not good enough to contain a quality side. I hate to think what the likes of Australia, India, Sri Lanka would do to the bowling we have. The pressure will now be on to beat the minnows who will have their tails up against Pakistan. They must play the likes of Yasir Arafat, Azhar Mahmood who can bat and bowl a bit and fairly decent on the field. Kaneria is not cut out for One Day Cricket, Rana is a disappointment, Akmal should be dropped as I feel he is a liability behind the stumps as well in front, the tail is long and under pressure they cannot play and on bouncy wickets the whole team stuggles. We need a strong character in the middle to hold the team together and I'm afraid we don't have one.

God save BOB! Hey nice show at the West Indies maybe you can have rana and kaneria open that might help. what about giving the ball to Imran Nazir. Kepp experimenting maybe you ccan find the right team before world cup 2011. Cheers BOB

Bob I think you got a well deserved slap from shoaib akhtar...you were never a good batsman or a bowler so how do you think you can coach the pakistan team? you keep taking them to swimming sessions when you know what they actually need is hard sessions in the net.....you have kept shoaib and asif out of the team...and keep on accusing shoaib for no reason.....we know you are here just to earn some cash...you dont care about the pakistan team and we pak supporters think you should be kicked out from your role as pak coach ASAP....

Hi Bob,

Know you're doing your best with the boys, but I just happen to think the continued selection of Rana Naveed is a dis-service to Pakistan cricket and to people like Mohammad Sami, Yasir Arafat and Azhar Mahmood. None of them get the same amount of chances than you guys have given to Rana. The loss to the Windies was more of a batting failure rather than a bowling one, but Rana once again leaked runs and eased the preassure being built by Gul and Rao. Please do give us an insight on the continued selection of Rana when you have Sami, Yasir and Mahmood who are bowling far better than Rana at the moment. Also, Shoaib Malik as Number 2 or 3 - what do you think? Younis can be moved down the order, and Malik up to 3. He has all his 100's in that position and one thing about Shoaib is that he gets big 100s in ODIS, something Younis hasnt managed. Would be great to read your insight into all this and how the team is handling the loss to the Windies. Good luck Bob. All the best.

To Mr Zubir

Please don't blame Bob for mr Akhtar's Failure. He
is arrogant and selfish and Dopie. He makes Pakistan as well as us look terribly bad. I am very Glad that he is not with team. For batting failure Blame should be on INZI, YUSUF and YUNIS.They batted irresponsibly. These Players are not babies they have been in this position before and came out good and this time they did not. It's like your parents help you study for the test and you go out and flunk the test and blame your parents. Bob can do as much and our players have to do the rest and the rest never happened. please don't criticize when you don't have any facts, PERIOD.

Ghalib

Hi Bob,
A few things I do not understand.
1. With the experience that this team has at the top, Inzi, Yousuf, Younis and yourself why is it so hard to make a disciplined attempt at chasing a modest total such as WI's? The bowlers and fielders did admirably well to restric WI to a manageable target (though I believe we gave away 20-25 more runs that we should have, but these things happen) but our batting reply was simply worse than what you'd expect from a club level team. The first 3 batsmen got out playing horrible, and totally pointless strokes. Why cant Younis Khan realize that its not profitable to try and hook/pull balls that are not only too high, but also out side the off stump. I think even a club game player knows to avoid such strokes in the start of their innings. This wasnt the first time he got out in this fashion and that makes one wonder if any thought is going to shot selection at all. Also, Hafeez has to taught not to throw away his wicket. There's nothing wrong with trying to go over the top but the situation that he was in called for consolidation rather than aggression.
242 was a score that didnt require any heroics from the batsmen. They just had to stay at the crease and the total would've taken care of itself. 50 in 15, 100 in 25 and 250 in 50 is something even a novice cricketer knows and understands. Why then were our batsmen trying to get to 250 in 35?
2. Why is Imran Nazir in the side? Apart from the one innings he played in SA he hasnt done anything significant. Even the SA innings, if you watch it critically, and I'm sure you would have, showed that his technique is flawed. He is a clean and powerful hitter of the ball but I seriously doubt that he has the technique to perform consistently against good, thinking opposition. The only reason I can think of of him being in the side is that the team wanted a hard hitting batsman at the top and since Yasir Hameed doest fill that bill Imran was picked. Although its water under the bridge, for the life of me, I do not understand why Hameed was left out.
3. Rana Naved has been a continual disappointment and I think its about time someone looked beyond his average. From whatever little cricket I know, I believe he has to make his point of release a little more consistent. Its either because he's trying to do too much or the pressure of not performing of late is playing its part, but he often releases the ball too late and that not only results in a juicy length but it also means that the ball wouldnt swing either.

I hope you can find the time to clarify some of my concerns.

HI Bob,
Even the most amateur person would learn from consistent mistakes…Your team failed miserably in S.Africa and for the windies match the same batting line up was trooped and the same result was seen… another horrible failure. You must change the batting line up if u even hope to may the next round, never mind any faint hopes of winning the cup. We all know Inzi is not a thinking captain, so u must bring in your influence to change the batting line up. Most importantly you must get Inzi to move up the batting Order. Simple rule, the higher Inzi bats the greater Pakistan have a chance of succeeding…. N0.4 is the absolute lowest a leader should be seen at. How can this guy lead a team from the front, when he is hiding away at NO.5??
Leaders lead from the front, losers are nowhere to be seen!!

My suggestion and you should consider this from someone who is desperate to see Pakistan win the world cup:

1. Nazir
2. Younis
3. Malik
4. Inzi
5. Yousaf
6. Hafeez
7. Afrida (on Return)
8. Akmal
9. Sami
10. Rao
11. Gul

Hi Bob!! Bummer on the loss the other day but hopefully the team will pick itself up and gather some intensity! I agree with Kiran's post above me that Naveed ul Hassan should be dropped. His bowling has been atrocious since the England tour in every series barring the ODI series against the Windies. Also - I have a question for you - What do you do to relax when you're in between games? Do you and the players do social stuff together or is everyone pretty much on their own? Hope we win the cup Bob! Work your magic !!

To ZubIR: Please do not pretend to speak for the millions of Pakistani fans who are right behind Bob and the team. Bob is the best coach Pakistan has ever had. Akhtar and Asif are not in the team because of injuries and drug related issues, it has nothing to do with Bob. So next time get your facts straight before you open your beak, and secondly dont make the mistake of thinking you speak for the Pakistan fans. The true Pakistani fans all over the world are right behind Bob and our team and we are fully confident in their ability.

About Inzi's picture in BOB's blog..
At first glance i thought his T-Shirt says
"Fat Sleepy Guy"
but na'aaa it is
"Eat Sleep Gym"
which one would you like?
BTW I think the former would look great on him :D.
(I love Inzi)

My Dear Mr. Bob Woolmer:
I am sure hat you are a good coach to some, but your comments about SA, Aus and NZ being as being your favourites and by implication, better than Pakistan is baffiling to me. I am sure that if you were the coach of say, England or Australia, you would not dare say that and even if you did, you know that you would be fired immediately. You know that as a coach, you are responsible for preparing your team to peak at the right moment and certainly, your comments cannot be seen as a "pep" talk and is in fact bound to be disheartening to the players. To be successful in sport, a player or team must have a certail level of confidence and arrogance. Take the W. Indies of the 80's and 90's and the Australians after them; they went into every match believing and knowing that they would win. We all know that the difference between the top teams in terms of talent is very small and in a lot of cases it's the attitude that makes the difference. You could see it in the body language of the players. Take a good look at the tape of your players on the field and when batting. After a while, they did not look like they wanted to be there. 241 was a more than getable total, but Pakistan lacked the desire and that my friend is none other than your fault. I know that it is the players who play, but you set the tone.
I have said enough for now. By the way, I am a West Indian and I wanted WI to win, but Pakistan deserved a better change.
The truth shall set you free.
Salaam