Cricinfo - Blogs - Men in White

Brilliant Mukul , I read your whole article and it again goes to show that innovation and clear thinking has won the day against cliched and banal pieces of written or printed communication in the media.It is a sad reality today that the Indian media has started resembling a pack of hungry dogs fighting for a little piece of elusive meat.Barring a few exceptions the whole scenario is clouded with mediocrity and more appalingly incompetence at seperating the proverbial wheat from tabloid chaff.However as it is a cricket website I will stick to cricket for whatever propaganda being spread by the media it is true that our loss to Bangladesh was shocking and considering the way Major General Dravid continues with his dictatorial ways in picking players like Ajit Agarkar then we have no chance and it would be better we are thrown out of the world cup. Let me reiterate that our bowling is shocking and what processes Mr. Chapell has set are beyond me when we still insist on picking the profligate agarkar at the expense of the fiery Sreesanth.Ajit has never given us Jit in a crucial high pressure game. I am sorry for saying this but Ajit itself means can't win and Agar-kar means or rather prophesices whether "he will do anything". Laughs apart and apologies for condesending a name it is true that Mr. no win will not do any thing great against the Lankans and the Dravid Chappell combine are being Pig headed , obstinate and steadfastly cartoonish in their persistence with this man. I have no hopes already from India and simultaneously would also be the first to eat my words if they win but this obviously is not going to happen for whatever may be said about the staid looks of Mr. Dravid he has exhibited dictatorial tendencies and has become increasingly cryptic and sarcastic against anybody wishing to give him sane advice. This is a prime example of power going to somebody's head.

I couldn't have agrred more with you, Mukul. It is apalling to say the least. The "Times of India" frontpage headline read, Police to probe into the murder of Woolmer. They seemed to have given the verdict already, calling it a murder. More annoying was the write up about the popularity of the paper, in terms of numbers, in the metros and major cities. Imagine the number of people who are going to form opinions based upon this. Where is journalism coming to? Does not the media still believe that there is something called "social responsibility" and that it plays a major role in forming opinions. The irresponsible media has only succeeded in fuelling unnecessary controversies for the sake of circulation and readership. And God save the irresponsible reader.

Being a Pakistani,i tell you that it has been the most sensible article written in the last two weeks.It was refreshing to see that someone has analyzed the situation with a cool mind.Sarfraz Nawaz is the worst source to build a story upon as that guy has no credibility whatsoever.Nice article Mr.Mukul.

What I find interesting is that the Jamaican Deputy Police Commissioner chose to disclose that he is treating Woolmer's death as "suspicious". Given the sensitivity of the terminology in the context of the World Cup in the Caribbean, and more importantly, given that the toxicologic analyses were yet to be completed, he might have stopped short of labelling the death "suspicious" to the media.

What is "suspicious" to the police does not imply foul play. Rather, it merely indicates the need to rule out possible foul play with a further enquiry. It becomes probable foul play and therefore "suspicious" for public consumption only when all of the reports are in, and death due to natural causes has been conclusively ruled out.

I find it interesting that Woolmer's family appears to believe he died of natural causes. And rightly so. There should be no "suspicion" until all of the reports conclusively rule out natural causes.

To be fair, I think Commissioner Shields explained himself in brief, but it would appear that the sensation-mongering media subsequently chose to disregard the context of the communication. Pity. If nothing else, they need to show some respect for the departed as well as the grieving kith and kin before rushing to print.

I do hope the toxicologic reports will clear up the mess. If it does not, then Cricket would change forever.

There will be no more joy watching cricket being played anywhere in the world if it would have become tainted with the thuggery of the underworld. No cricketer, coach, or other official would be able to move about as freely as before.

A great article, Mukul, which reaches far beyond cricket. It's not often you read something, particularly a piece of journalism, that so vividly conveys the hidden forces at work in society. All media vultures should be invited to read it. Effectively, they are feeding their addictions on the corpse of poor Bob Woolmer. We should accord him the same dignity in death as he displayed in life, and wait for the official process to run its course.

Great article Mukul, I must say it's disgusting the way media is evolving these days. Guess that's the price for commercialization of media and everything. A news channel tries to grab attention to themselves by sensationalizing the reports. There were days of responsible journalism when people like Goenka (during emergency) dreaded to tread against the government and were not bothered about their rating and reported the facts with enough ammunation left in the hand of people to form their own opinion. Now a days media force their (dramatic) opinion down our throat and then say that people belive these. You mentioned a few english news channels (with viewrship apprantely educated and elite), just see the way every hindi news channel presnet their news and analysis. I get really scared about the simple fact that the so called english (elite?) educated class are capable enough of forming their own opinion and choose to believe or not believe whats being published/shown in news media. What about people living in rural India, where they have access to television but unfortunately not enough education to understand the difference between reporting and the opinion forced down the throat. Or for that matter younger generation whose first source of information about anything is internet and cable tv. What kind of citizens does these selfish commercial news media would help in developing. It's a matter of great concern and disgust

I can still vividly remeber the day when my father took me to see some of the all time West Indian greats when they toured South Africa (albeit as rebels) in 1982-83. I can remember how I approached Sylvester Clarke for an autograph, which he gave me, and which I still have 24 years later. I can however not, for the life of me, recall the result!
Having read your article, and also the article "dramatis personae" and the comments thereto, I was left thinking back to that day at Berea Park. Somewhere along the line we as cricker supporters have lost the plot.
We as supporters created the atmosphere in which winning is everything, and loosing is unacceptable. This rubs off on the McGraths, Nells and other thugs roaming the pitches of the world. We demand victory, and the players attempt to deliver, at any cost. Modern day sledging was unacceptable in days gone past when the game was still played, viewed and enjoyed for what it was: 22 men playing a game.
Bob Woolmer was probably the first modern era coach. This might be debated at length, but wat stands undebated is that he was a brilliant coach and man. Its irrelevant what caused his death. He paid the ultimate price: he gave his life for something that was most definately not worthy thereof.
I long for the days when witnessing a great fast bowler in action was enough; when the sound of willow on cork made my heart beat fast; when the result became forgotten but the memories lasted. Maybe this is Woolmers' last lesson.
We as supporters have made the game what it is today. We as supporters should maybe consider changing it.

Brilliant article and very well written. Sad that as soon as the earliest reports came in you could smell what would follow a mile away...

At the risk of sounding insensitive, I have to say I feel a little for the West Indies as hosts; six sixes in an over, a few record margins produced, Bangladesh knocking over India and the Irish knocking Pakistan out of the comp *on St.Patricks Day* and then this horrific event...and we're still in the first round.

Rest in Peace Bob and may the cricket shine for the rest of the competition.

Excellent article, Mukul. To quote Uncle Ben - "With Great Power, Comes Great Responsibility". Clearly the Indian media in their quest to come out on top are misusing all the power that they control.

Every channel has an "exclusive" on every story. One wonders how the exclusivity is attained.

If there is any evidence attached to a story, it seems to land in some news channel's hands rather than the investigating authority's. Am surprised that CNN-IBN hasnt yet claimed to be in possession of the Bob Woolmer's vomit / blood.

News used to be report of facts and a little opinion with a clear line drawn between the two. The line has disappeared and opinion seem to have crawled over to the other side taking over the facts.

World Cup Cricket can do well without this!

Narayanan

As a Pakistani fan I was doubly distraught to see the Cricinfo "murder" article headline among others. Thank you for this clear headed article.

I still prefered the days when cricket was an amatuer's game and you got the people playing it for the love of the game and not to make tons of money. But all is considered acceptable when money becomes involved. THE LOVE OF MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL!!!!

Very well written article Mukul. In India, there are 'n' no of news channels and everyone compete to create a story out of nothing. Media has a great role to play in our society, but unfortunately all are money minded with no ethics. The only exception I can remember is the Jesica lal murder case, media did help a lot and come out with lot of facts.

Absolutely spot on!
After skimming thru cric info and not finding any significant read MASALA news about Bob's death I wondered what the Indian news website will have.
And indeed they were crying Murder where as cricinfo and the Jamaican authorities cried Mysterious Circumstances.

I remember as a child being taught in school How to write a newspaper article. Headline was a very important part it had to be bold and catchy.

But I am sure my teacher would have never approved of DISTORTED headlines!

-V

Brilliant article and very well written. Sad that as soon as the earliest reports came in you could smell what would follow a mile away...

Rest in Peace Bob and may the cricket shine for the rest of the competition.

It was so pathetic of Times NOW to telecast Woolmers death as Murder. They gave scant respect to the millions of cricket lovers who were still trying to come to terms with his death.

I guess there are two parties to it. The media and then the fans. They compliment one another. I wish the fans were as enthusiastic/passionate about the politicians/political system of the country. India would have been a much better place and the people would have been better off!
Agui, Germany

I was looking at one of Indian News Channel and they are broadcasting a news that Bob Woolmer was strangled and they found a broken neck.But if that was the case then why they have asked for further tests.Anyways i suddenly moved on to other channels like CNN,BBC and Pakistan News Channel as well but there was no news of Bob Woolmer in any of the headlines.Ony skynews was showing the widow's comments on his death but still not any clear news from any other channel.Now i moved on to websites to search more about this but nothing so how come they came to decision like this. I saw your article and it is exactly what i was thinkig at the moment.We all i know appreciate the truth but to make a news or you can gossip out of it is not good. Keep going...

The disturbing thing for me is that the police are allowing the rumours to persist.There has been no press conference to clarify the situation.Their silence speaks volumes to me.There is something rotten in the state of Denmark.

Excellent analysis Mukul! I wish mordern media should make analysis like this before broadcasting anything.

Sensationalisim sells! If we are to expect these people to be a little more responsible with their words/actions/accusations then for one we should just stop buying and reading their material.

The sadest thing is that people don't thrive on good news, but prefer to fester in anything that may seem underhanded.

The way i see it, there is nothing wrong with betting on a game; whether it be football, cricket, or grand pix. But what happens when we bet everything we have worked for in the last 25 years in hoping that we would get double at the end of the day? and it gets worst when u dont! if they want to play a game of figures then one must be ready to face the concequences of it. At the time of signing his contract as being coach, i am sure he knew the risks involved. No one, excepts the one with nothing to loose, care about the fun and partying after a cricket match(win or loose for the team u supporting)....or for any sport for that matter. With an event as big as Cricket World Cup, anything can happen.
To kill, however, is too extreme. But do we know that he is killed? NO! He could have just fall down as far as i am concerned. Journalists are misleading and it is no surprise to me. Just dont attack them cause then they will attact you saying that u "denying them the fredom of press"....If u tell a Journalist "a" he will say that its "A". But its not only Journalists who do this, every human being does it! Try passing a message from one person to another in a line of 20 people and then tell me what the result is.
Cricket is still a great game and so far has done much for my country as being one of the hosts of the CWC 2007. Thanks to Cricket all of our facilities have been improved, state of the art buildings have been constructed, the once called "Garbage City" is once again "The Garden City".
THe game is not sick! You guys need to catch up with the change of time. I keep hearing that people talk all the time about "the good old day"; well guess what, those days are long gone! So stop complaining about it.

Well Done! To qoute Rudyard Kipling incompletely "If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs..." You truly have.

Mukul, I am not agree with you 100%. May be media has advertise the idea of murder, but they have not stated with final verdict of murder. They are showing the possibility and i am not surprise if investigation team comes up with some evidence of murder. Pakisthani, has been murdering many in the name of religion and cricket for them is no less than religion. These people are extremist and history always confirm that. Pakisthan always treat game as a war. They have no respect for human life. Look at the PAK Team. They even looks like terrorist. I don't blame media at all about it. There are doing there job and inform us the latest news.

So Mukul, when you're not ranting about Aussies being boorish or racist, you do manage to pen down some common sense. I'll give the devil his due - good article!

Although I know it is NOT right that Dhoni should have his house broken into because of one poor performance, he should remember it is because of the media and the fans that he stars in more advertisements today than Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachhan. Has he deserved all the idol-worship and hype surrounding him? - HELL NO. I don't think he has ever done anything remarkable in Indian colors - let him contribute in winning a test series or an ODI tournament abroad before we idolise him. So, take the rough with the smooth. He has made enough money in endorsements to live in a nice house, he should spend that money in protecting it with security personnel.

Over to poor Bob Woolmer... it's a tragedy what happened to him, but an even more diabolical performance from the media to speculate on the cause of his death without enough evidence. It is unsurprising that the most sensible comment came from the Jamaican Police Commissioner Shields. Why the hell can't the media leave the investigation to the police and let them pronounce their verdict? Next I expect to hear the media throw in names of possible 'murder' suspects - wonder if Sarfraz Nawaz will make that list....?

And the most distressing piece would be if that insensitive moron Sunil Gavaskar, fresh from trash talking the Aussies and disrespecting David Hookes' memory, opened his mouth and said, "Don't coach any of the subcontinent teams... you may end up like Woolmer." Word for the wise... if you see Gavaskar at a bar, don't hesitate to punch his lights out. No Sunny days ahead for him!

Sarfaraz Nawaz is a low life and a loud mouth. His problem is that he played in the wrong time and era when Imran was on the rise. So Big Serf. never got the accolade he thinks he deserves specially when he is the one who invented the Reverse swing but people gave all the credit to Imran Khan. That in a nutshell is his problem. He has therefore made ways to remain in the limelight, mostly for wrong reasons. As someone else said his credibility is a big naught. Wonder why the media still gives him so much importance despite his track record.

Nice post, I have been fuming over Sarfaraz Nawaz's attempt to become the center of attraction all day too. What is wrong with that guy?

This is first such instance, that I've seen, where a popular blogger has questioned judgment, ethics and values of India's popular "journalists/anchors" and Indian journalism in general. Instead of detailed, thoughtful analysis that covers all angles, doesn't sensationalize and attempts to provide facts to allow readers to makeup their own minds is lacking. And that's an understatement. Infotainment and "advertorials" - whatever that means is nothing less than Indian "journalists" practicing the oldest profession.

Precisely. We all want to know; Just dont feed drivel to the public that is aimed at selling more, PLEASE to all the Journalists and Media Personnel, Pay some due respect to the audience. Trust me, they deserve it.

Finally some has come up with something positive out of all the madness that has been this world cup for us. Plus i fail to understand how can "General Public" all that is good about a player/s after such losses. Its just that Rahul' s/Inzamams faliure are PUBLIC through our beloved Media n everyone else gets to hide all this.Neways thanx buddy for something fresh.

Those channels cater to a growing breed of prejudiced audience, personified here in Mr. Raj the commentator above. It matters not to them what the truth is, the idea is to propogate what they would want the truth to be. Sad sad day.

This is a stupid article. Bob Woolmer was murdered. They are saying as "suspicious" just to avoid bad publicity for the world cup and are being cautious.

The cops have already ruled it as a homicide and they are carrying on the investigations and interviewing the pakistani players.

the article smacks of naivety. We live in a celebrity culture fueled by media wars. Where a film star's baby (Tom Cruise) or a pop star's shaved head (Britney Spears) is cause for so much interest, why should cricket be any different? It is not cricket that has changed - it is the world.

The truth will probably never come out.

Raj get a life dude. This article is not about pointing out who the murderer is. Also dont blame any nationality or religion for henius crimes like murder. Its an individual act and indians pretty much share the same fan problems.

As they say Truth Hurts!! Well, it may never be found out what exactly happened to Bob Woolmer. I say that because, if indeed he was murdered and if it came out, then that means it is death of cricket. For e.g. if Hansie Conje had not accepted that he was involved in match fixing then we would have been happily living in the false memory as if nothing had happened, and that incident was raised by Delhi police just to gain publicity etc. It was Hansie's guilt that led to the crime and not any investigation, test etc.

See what happens to Marlon Samuels news. Nothing will come out of it unless he himself accepts it. So whatever the tests, eventually it will be declared that it was some abnormally natural reason(1 in million etc.).

As far as journalists go I would say it is their right to speculate and make stories.

P.S Betting is very big in Dubai, especially in world cup, and now that Pakistan is out there would be huge losses (in 1000's crores etc.) Good enough motive I guess.

The role of the media is not to give judgement but to give us the News. Please please leave the judgement to the concerned authorities. Don't play with our lives. 4give us.

Insightful commentary on the tabloidization of Indian 'mainstream' media.
A turning point was the explosion of cable TV channels. Channels that have to fight dirty to survive. Quality (there was some of that for some time after the monopoly of state-run DD was broken) has given way to breathless gratification. It is a 10-second battle for channel surfers. Where news channels have to fight amongst themselves and with regressive (and hugely popular) soap operas and newspapers that resemble gossip rags. A battle that makes voyeurs out of viewers. Not that we need to undergo a whole lot of transformation for that. Face it - sensationalism in media sells because we buy it. We are largely a nation of bystanders who love that extra dose of human drama in someone else's lives (If you've ever been near a road accident site in Mumbai in the minutes just-after, you'd know what I meant by that). Well, who doesn't love human drama? So let me put it less harshly: we are a democracy; we get what we ask for and we wholly deserve it.

Another sidelight: Sting operations. These days most of the exposes brought about by the mainstream media seem to have lost their efficacy (sting?). Reasons being - almost everyone is 'doing' it and there is usually almost no follow-up. Because doing it (the sting operation) has immediate salability; following up is tedious corporate social responsibility - no time for that. And I am not complaining here - its not necessarily for the media to carry all of our socio-moral burden!
Interestingly, cricket is central to how the concept of sting operations started getting popular in Indian media. Remember Tehelka? Tarun Tejpal and his team using hidden mics/cams to expose match-fixing in cricket (and then corruption in governement defense dealings and so on)?
I read earlier in one of the comments on another cricinfo blog - about politics, cricket and cinema being the big-3 of the Indian way of life. So true, so true..

Mr. Mukul I really appreciate your graceful,sensible and responsible article. I would say those who are narrating different stories regarding death Mr. Woolmer want to earn "cheap fame" like Sarfraz Nawaz who always wants to be in headlines with different rumours and allegations. Being a Pakistani I really appreciate your approach of generalism which is shown in this article. Thanks Alot !

I really wish Good Luck to Indian Nation and Team for the tomorrows Do-or-Die crucial contest.

Nice article. Overzealous Fans and Media are to blame for current situations. Cricket is a game only to be enjoyed or pass time. As their is little doubt that cricketers house have been vandalised time and again, It is just a matter of time an erratic fan might kill his own idol(coach).

Sarfraz is a loud mouth and talks trash all the time. This Pakistani tour started with disaster SA and ASIF out before a ball was bowled. Afridi out for being rude to spectator. Fire in the Hotel, loss to Westindies and TO Ireland. This all has happened in the span of two weeks or so. Bobs death is so shocking that as a fan it cannot be explained. We should not jump to conclusions regarding his death and let the authorities do the investigation. Pqakistani fans and team needs comfort not all this !!!!

Journalism in the subcontinent is not qualitatively different from what they have in the west. Just watch the paparazi harassing the hollywood stars(remenber Diana?)or the celebrity satus of englands ex-coach Sven Eriksson and how he was 'exposed' by a journalist pretending to be an arab sheikh. The question is not why media resorts to sensationalism, the question is what people make of it? In the subcontinent, conspiracy theories do not belong to the periphery, they are part of the mainstream.
I reckon that most of the people had already made up their minds the moment they heared of Bob's death! Its unfortunate that it had to be a tragedy to move the cricket world into some sort of introspection!
And as much as we love cricket,it can never be worth the life of a man and the soul of a nation!
A thought provoking aticle by mukul!

Mukul, thanks for your balanced views (for a change).

Raj, get a life. What's wrong with you? If you are not already working for one of the Indian tabaloids, I suggest you apply for a job there. You will do well.

Without making this a Indo-Pak political debate (we have enough of that already), I will stick to cricket. Recall the shameful end of '96 semi-final, and then tell me who is more cricket-fanatic. The fact is both countries are obsessed with the game, but media hype in India has taken it up few notches more. For their own sake, Indian team better win tomorrow though I will not bet on it.

Right on the money!
Thank you for a rational approach towards a sensitive issue.I dont know why the world media has been so irresponsible over this issue nobody showed any patience and all the parties driven by thier emotions speculated the result in their own way,those who were angry at Pakistan team performance regarded the death as stress and sorrow related some even said it was suicide,
and those driven by their political hatred towards Pakistan were quick to associate the whole issue with match fixing,and underworld,it was absolutely
hilarious the way some indian channels were desperately trying to throw in some underworld names and give the whole matter a different twist.
Winning and losing are both part of the game I dont know when people from India or Pakistan will
learn to deal with a loss graciously.
I sincerely hope and pray India qualifies for the next round.

BANG ON.

I am stdying in the UK but originally from Pakistan.I was also amazed to check out the indian media saying masaleindaar stuff for a person who is no more its shocking although I m not against india or the media.

As far as Mr Raj's point of view is concerned, i wud say he himself is a victim of media as having a beard doesnt make one a terrorist.My sikh friend RAj has a beard but i dont think he is a terrorist so please dont comment about something you dont know or cant understand.

I grew up in U.A.E. and was fortunate enough to have friends from India and Pakistan and came to know early in my life that ultimately we are all the same, there are some differences which are in every human being. But I also remember watching Indian and Pakistani news which to this date are filled with hatred for each other. I always thought to myself, how come 2 nations hate each other so badly. The answer is "Media". They make sure that fear always remain in the hearts of people and that the other was always to be blamed for their misery. Now as you have written, rightly so, that its all about selling the news. Journalists have a responsibility to report unbiased truth, not to bend it and apply some masala to it so that it can sell.
I am just disgusted at the way Bob Woolmer's death has been reported. Some news channels suggesting that it could be Daud Ibrahim, it could be bookies, Taliban etc. etc. These reports have been based on pure speculation and on mere personal views of certain individuals. We all on the site atleast have the mental capacity to understand this but what about more than a billion people who live in the sub-continent and don't have the tendency to understand this.
I just hope that in this modern age of "Free Media", people start to understand their responsibility and use discretion and good judgement before reporting something stupid.

Much as i hate to say it, it would appear that sometimes the media are right. A truly shocking turn of events.

I am absolutely aghast like most of you to hear that Woolmer was strangled to death, who ever the murder suspects are this is going absolutely too far, While I was delighted to see the Pakistani team under Imran Khan winning the world cup, the various scandals and incidents the Pakistani cricket has gone through has been a disgrace to Cricket, While discredited umpires like Hair have had their hand in damaging the reputation of Pakistani cricket, their self distruction and absolute mismanagement has created this current crisis and only they have got them selves to blame. ICC must now stand up, in the name of cricket and suspend Pakistan until this investigation is over and until their is suitable evidence that no Pakistani had a hand in this murder. If the enquiry does establish that Pakistanis were involved in the murder Pakistan should be banned as a ICC test playing nation for a min 3 years. It is most unfortunate yet if steps like this are not taken and the ICC does not stand up Bob Woolmer might not be the last coach, player or official that will be murdered in this what once was a gentleman's game which is now discgraced.

Greg Chappel, watchout buddy, time to make a hasty exit. You can coach and instill cricket skills, but you can't change the system and however talented the guys are, if the system sucks and reeks thats the way it will remain until wholesale changes are made and yet I doubt you can change the spots of leopard or the stripes of a tiger.

I relate to the comment someone made in one of the above posts that said something along the lines of "it's not cricket that has changed, but rather the world". We cricket fans exaggerate our own importance. Cricket is nothing more than a microcosm of what's all around us. Maybe cricket is just catching up. I'm not suggesting that that's a good thing. It is troubling. It is short-sighted. It may even be amoral. But, at the end of the day, that's what it is. If we want things to change, we need to change the world. Not just cricket. Amen. Cheers!

DDeSilva, let's not lose our heads altogether!

So Bob Woolmer was murdered. What a terrible thing. The World Cup should end today - cricket needs to take a step backward and rethink the entire game.

We also need to look at the Hansie Cronje saga again. Was his plane crash an accident? Surely he had enough information blow the whistle on all the wong-doers in the cricket thuggery that is obviously on the go?

Has anyone watched Indian News channels lately (Aaj Tak and Sahara News). They have literally given the verdict that this murder is linked to someone on the Pakistan team. They are making things up and their speculations are that whole Pakistan is to blame for everything. I feel this is enough.
Lets not forget that people who live in glass houses shouldn't through rocks at others.
We pay so much of attention to every little thing that happens in Pakistan and exagerate it to the extent of making a mockery of ourselves. When are we going to put an end to this. Lets focus on our own issues and our own country rather than making the whole world laugh at us.

Cricket, like every other sport in the world, is no longer a gentleman's game. We no longer see the players walking before they are given out, there are constant articles on sledging fines, and recent drinking cases. Now a murder! My opinion would be that is was a group of very upset Pakistani fans who wanted to take their anger out on someone who was part of it. Why non the players, when a fit player dies, there is bound to be a lot of suspicion. What is sad, is that they were so angry, that not only did they kill Bob Woolmer, there hurt cricket. A cricket match is what caused it and cricket was hurt in the end. Cricket, sadly, is no longer a game played and watched by gentlemen.

murder, mukul, murder..

Murder, it is! It is a terrible day for cricket. One of the world's best coaches of the game and renowned figure in the cricketing fraternity has been murdered! The dark forces of the game have come back yet again and revealed its ugly self to the world.

Match fixers, bookies, fanatics..whoever they are, the cricket loving world will silently hope and pray that they are caught and dealt with as soon as possible. It is probably the worst day of the sport. The theme of the world cup has been thrown out of the window and the game has forever been tarnished.

Did someone scream FIRE a week ago in Pegasus?

There are a lot of things which are to be considered in this case and Im hopeful that the JCF is doing a good job at it. I am sure that the security was in place in the hotel at the and I am also sure that it is not easy for a stranger to walk into the 12th floor room so easily and kill someone and walk out as if nothing happened! Can you imagine yourself walking up to Tendulkar's or Lara's room and saying hello and giving them a bear hug? Exactly. I am sure the killer would have known about the CCTV cameras in place at the time. Interestingly , if you "Google" the Pegasus hotel in Jamaica, you will see that there has been two deaths in that hotel in the last one and a half years or so. One was a cardiac arrest and the other was a murder. A brutal one at that. Also, Jamaica is known for its high crime rates. Why has the ICC, being aware of all this approved the stay of the Pakistani team in that hotel? If there has been a murder committed, then it is obvious that the security in the hotel and around it has not been foolproof. All of this, assuming it was a stranger who killed Mr. Woolmer. This world cup has been black marked and tarnished for sure. The ICC has to take a step back and see what is happening around it. They have to be a stronger body. I am not blaming the ICC for all this. But I am sure, the ICC has the strength to prevent such things. Its always not about the money. The number of matches being played these days is going beyond count. Anti-corruption and security unit? Whatever !! I have no clue what their role or "job description" is like. Please legalize betting in cricket. It might just solve a lot of problems. Betting is legal in a lot of other sports. Why not cricket? Are you now thinking of the history, the tradition of the game? Beat it! We live in the 21st century. The game has come a long way and it is time for a few changes. I have no idea what was the motive or who killed Mr. Woolmer. But it is time for a severe change in the way this sport is conducted.
I am sure, most of you are already aware of the fact that Bob Woolmer had a website of his known. He had his training and coaching videos in that website (which now, unfortunately has been removed). He was writing a book on coaching techniques which included the A-Z of cricket. He was also interested in opening a training camp in S. Africa for under privileged children. He had a lot more to give to the sport. Hope his soul rests in peace and I wish his family has the strength to go through these turbulent times.

Bob Woolmer's death has been godsend to the journalism world. Instead of fretting about the pointless technicalities of cricket, we have a juicy murder to speculate about.

All we need is sex scandal of some sort, we have a full blown soap opera.

Neat article. Well written and well aimed. Cricket in India has become an obsession owing to lot of factors, the latest being "MEN IN BLUE". But don’t you feel that being an Indian cricket fan, one deserves to see the Indian cricket team (like Brazil football team) full of individual stars - perform well on THE MOST IMPORTANT TOURNAMENT IN WORLD CRICKET. Betrayal though a strong word is the sentiment felt world over by the Asian fans from India and Pakistan from the way they have performed. Press should be responsible for some criticism as they give a lot of undue coverage to a game - thus making STARS or DEMI Gods out of our cricket players.

World has changed, but the game has evolved from a prestige and honor of representing your country to a profession. Professional is fine, but being only professional is not good enough when you walk out to represent your country on world stage. It needs more than ability, professionalism, keenness, star status - to win. One needs the passion to win for one's country- which is lacking at present in Indian Team. They start from NOT LOSING angle which is a negative thought in itself.

So let’s all hope that ALL IS NOT LOST and we correct the mistakes and take the World Cup game by game.

Indeed a sad time for Cricket, The two great personnel involved in revival of south africa cricket( Cronje and now Woolmer)has left this world too early and in suspicious circumstances. It does not augur well for Cricket, and ICC will have to reassess the surroundings it operates. Pakistan came into this world cup with many issues, doping, suspensions and injuries, and they find themsleves leaving with even a worse situation. Until the circumstances surrounding Woolmers death are confirmed - which now has been as per the latest reports, one might want the journalists to act with caution, Pre-empting is fine as the going on's on the field, but events outside the field of play and as such as this, one would expect bit more responsible journalism to previal.

As to the supporters reaction to the Indian performance, well this is not the first time and it will certainly not be the last time, and one cannot expect a calm and collected nation come tomorrow if the Lions do infact devour their mighty neighbours. One has to agree, that Indian cricketers are indeed the highest paid non performers, and public sentiments can get ugly in a situation such as this, the blame lies fair and square on the hands of the Indian public, for making them demi gods........fortunately, for their southern neighbours, Cricket is only a game and time to indulge in revellery irrespective of the outcome, and here in lies a cue for the billion plus population to follow suit.........two to three decades ago, expectations of Indian team against their island neigbours would have been the same and a loss to them would have been hard to accept.....times have changed and its no more the case, and there will come a time, loosing to lesser underdogs will be a common occurance not only to India but to the rest of the established teams. It should happen for the betterment of the game and hopefully such outcomes will not be scripted the night before. The players, adminsitrators and officials, must realize the game is not limited to the 22 plus individuals, they owe it to millions of fans, who expect a honest day fo work at the office by them.

The news of Woolmer s death was a shock and to my insanity when i saw the link on it on rediff, i thought he must hv died a natural death, but when i saw the story on rediff and then on this site, it shocked me to my booty. And then on our great news channels the views, speculations kept coming in. The immature journos, the over enthusiast news readers kept asking the correspondents their opinion as if they are the show runners. Their job is to give the damn news rather than pass the verdict. But its all the game of TRP. Every channel wants to get ahead of the other in this inhuman business and in this they wont spare anyone. They have sensationalized many events, passed on many false stories, almost declared a poor fellow responsible for those July 06 Mumbai blasts (channel owned by one of Indian cricketer s son who is a famous journalist)....They make you and then they break you. Right now when India is about to play the game they are involving lesser players to advise the Indian team for their strategy and god forbid if india crashes out of the game then they would be the 1st one to blow the trumpet and ask for scapegoats and then they would go on streets to interview the fans, thus spark them and then capture the videos of some mob burning effigies of players and then they would term this as national calamity. And if India wins, which it should, then they would celebrate as if they have won the World Cup....

I remember Monday s TOI edition saying in small column Bob Woolmer passes away and then since to this day its been verdict that Bob has been assasinated. Time now someone strangulates this channels and forms a code of conduct on them to own some responsibility for the way they carry the news on channels. For them if Saurav sneezes or Rahul winks or Sachin coughs thats a breaking news for them....

On the contrary the print media has been restraint too, but they have been guilty of disowning and writing off their team too, (India team in context). Time to time some editors have been questioning the form and class of the greatest batsman f this generation and then when he bounces back, they eat up their words. All pronounced the end of road for Ganguly after Chappell episode but when he made an emphatic comeback, they started praising him like Aaj Tak said " Dada me he dum"....

Have balanced views, give news not verdict, dont employ ex-cricketers who have nothing but money to take and for that they speak trash like one former spinner who was horrible batsman (last one to get out in that 2nd Tied test in chennai) advises Sachin Tendulkar how to play to a incoming delivery or a former wkt keeper advises Dravid to get behind the line of the ball to play the ball that jags in. Ridiculous.......Time the media understands its positive influence........

IMHO Television has long lost the ability to provide unprejudiced just-the-facts news. Analysis, sensationalization etc etc .. thank you very much. Could somebody just publish the facts uncensored.

Raj: you are GROSSLY mistaken when you say that for Pakistanis cricket is no less than a religion--what about for your country's fans? I would say in India it is no less than a religion--people holding poojas and decorating your gods with garlands etc for the outcome of matches. Go and watch zee tv footage.

I totally agree with the comments about the media. I was appalled to see the interview of Bob Woolmer's wife on NDTV the day the news of his death first broke out. I have a great respect for NDTV and usually they do a pretty fine job, however I was disgusted on watching this interview. The interviewer was trying her level best to somehow convince Bob's wife that he was murdered even though she didn't think that was possible. Talk about rubbing salt on wounds. They didn't even spare a poor hapless widow...

It is a confirmed news now that BOB woolmer is murdered by the goons. They have not only killed BOB woolmer but the cricket sports itself. Sad thing--sports is mainly viewed as one area whereby friendship in this full of hatred world is considered has a tool towards building friendship but cricket sport is working towards dividing and flaring-up enemity. The world as such do not need such a dangerous game where Money is at stake and not friendship.The cricketing world should totally ban the sports altogeher - we dont need this kind of sports.

I have to admit I positively stunned by Mukul's latest blog. It is certainly a welcome change, and I was impressed by the complete article in the Telegraph. Ethical journalism has gone to the dogs, news networks have wired everyone to wait in eager anticipation for the next disaster, where their latest model of delviery shall be tested. Even though it has now been confirmed that Woolmer was murdered, it was irresponsible journalism to portray that image based on conjecture rather than evidence. Mukul, perhaps its better for you to concentrate on these issues rather than cricket, particularly contemporary cricket. :)

I am a cricket novice, but I must say that your piece on journalistic ethics (or the lack thereof) was spot on.

The India-Sri Lanka match is on now. 3 early wickets have gone (incl. Tendulkar for duck). Should things continue this way and India make an early exit, I do hope that the spectre of Bob Woolmer's murder may invoke some restraint on the part of the media and the more extreme Indian cricket fans, lest more wholly unnecessary and unconscionable violence take place.

In the West Indies, there are many people who criticize the fan base saying that many fans are only 'fair weather friends', rallying only when our team is winning and bad mouthing constantly when it is not. I have always despised this behaviour, thinking healthy criticism is good, but mud-slinging and 'dogging' the team is a sick kind of self-hatred which only further erodes the morale of the team. It is sad to know that now cricket has reached the point where one ought to be grateful that no one is killed or their house torched when a team performs below par.

yes, very well written

Sir, you opened my eyes.

Sarel,
"He paid the ultimate price: he gave his life for something that was most definately not worthy thereof."

How can you allude to Pakistan here? How can you blame Pakistan already when no-one knows who caused the murder?
This is one of the more ridiulous comments here; and this has what has been selling in the English newspapers as well, the media being at its worst. The media has been a hungry pack, selling that which will feed itself.
Ultimately, Pakistan lost to Ireland. Unless details of a fixed match emerge, that is what it is: Pakistan lost a game fair and square. To implicitly blame Pakistan for the murder of a coach is the height of insanity; if anything, the blame goes to the ICC and the West Indies because security was their concern.
The argument that Woolmer would be alive if he weren't coaching Pakistan doesn't do any justice to Pakistan. It is absolute rubbish, and exposes the age-old western mind-set to somehow blame the "other". Let alone respect for the dead, these sorts of comments just show that there is no respect for someone alive.

Today's media is surely touching the heights of irresponsiblity. Everyone is looking for a cheap fame and money without understanding the seriousness of the matters. I was sickened to see an Indian channel (AAJTAK) to link Bob Woolmer's death to Pakistani players buy mentioning that some of the Pakistani players have been in disagreement with Woolmer on few strategy issues. Can they explain me which team does not have disagreements withing themselves. The media is directly responsible for creating anger and outrage in the fans as well. Someone has to stop them.

This is my sixth or seventh time I gave comments on different events.
But , u did not published. So from now on am not going to write or read your column.
Thanks for writers respect.

Greg was not a good idea. I just read his interview and its clear he's shirking responsibility of the loss. I can't believe how selfish this guy is. Contrast his interview with the selfless Woolmer's right after the Irish loss. Poles apart the two gents are I say. It's a pity Woolmer had to die while people like Greg are alive and well.

Life's unfair.

My condolensces to my Indian brothers. I hope both India and PAkistan can rise together from these tremendous losses.

Ganesh, I ask thee to smite the Indian team from ur mighty trunk! Woe on Dravid et al... they shud learn from the Pakistani team

I'm terrably distressed the way our boys treat us, they have the support of the max number of papulation, the beautiful babes of Bollywood and our Bombay underworld; but still no results... my heart goes out to Pakistani team!

I say we ban our team for posing with half naked beauties in advertisements and let real actors come in their place!
Salman khan

Tendulkar, Sehwag and Chappel have to go now, muaf karain India ko... we have spent enuff time entranced in these demi-gods. Bring humble servants like Dinesh Mongia and Pathan back!

I'm a disgruntled indian fan and wud like to share my story: I waited in the hotel lobby (before departure) to get an autograph on my pants and Veeru there told me that he'd win the cup but he has proven to be so insensitive, I'm very disappointed and want the whole management changed!

Let's be clear. No need to kill ure coach and team. Face it: Sri Lanka has ALWAYS been a much better team than the spineless indians. You guys NEVER win when it matters and you elevate people to Diety status without merit. I pity you.

I knew my Lankan boys wud do this and show the indian team the door. Well done everyone, we're waiting with open arms (and other things)!

How sad it is that a wonderful teacher was killed before completing his life's work.
If Zimbabwe had managed to scamper a single off the last ball, Pakistan would be through to the Super Eights(on NRR) and Bob would have been spared . makes you wonder though, doesnt it?

I cannot understad why it took so long to discover that it was a case of murder?? First they said it is a heart attack then they said that it is unconclusive and samples are sent for test to find out possibility of poising and now we are told that he was stranguled and his neck bone is broken!!! un beliveable the marks should be quiet visible in his neck then what took so long to dicover? i think the jamican police have to come out clear

Dear Mukul and All,

I was so happy to read this article and the comments accompanying that there are so many folks who are disgusted by the 24 hours news channel coverage. The channels thrive on sensational news and add spice by quoting on "Unnamed Sources".

To the actual Cricket, I think we should simply accept that the Indian cricket team was not good enough. Let us hope for the best in the future. It takes time to build a team. Greg Chappel and Rahul Dravid are the best we have to do the job, any drastic step in this direction will have an even adverse effect on Indian cricket. I hope the saner elements within the BCCI prevail.

Indian team cannot work with an Indian coach, all Wadekar's victory were inside the sub-continent, Kapil Dev was all rhetoric.

Rehabilitation of Indian Cricket Team

The solution is not to throw out some guys, and have some others occupying the positions only to perform in a similar fashion. The solution is to think why indian team is not winning. And the answer lies in the thought itself. Indian team does not win because it does not play as a team. Even the Capt thinks that game is won by a few players which is not so. Games are won by teams that perform together. Sri Lanka's win yesterday is case in point.
We have certain superstars in our team who earn millions in advertising revenue selling everything from biscuits to insurance and a few others who are in the sidelines. This is not the ideal circumstance to foster team spirit. The solution is to have an agency of BCCI handle all endorsements and have all members of the team endorse products preferably together and share revenue equally. There will only be increase in revenue for the cricketers and BCCI. Other change is have pay linked to team performance, train everyone for all round improvement with bat, ball and in the field, have players visit cricket academies to groom youngsters etc ...

(This post may not be relevant to the topic, nevertheless ...)

Granted the Indian team performed poorly(an understatement really)but the reactions of some of the so called"fans" and experts on tv are deplorable to say the least. Typically these "experts" are frustrated individuals who have had a poor career( a quick look at Kirti Azad and Ashok Malhotra's stats will reveal how they stack up against Ajit agarkar whom they seem to have sadistic pleasure in criticising is a case in point.
The media is playing to the public by indulging in rhetoric, a situation tailor made for the politicians who are smelling a perfect opportunity to brush under the carpet more pressing issues facing the nation and more importantly their own corrupt ways.I bet the Parliament will see an uproar over the Indian teams performance in the next few days.
Till BCCI adopts being professional(which translates into having a professional administration in the true sense of the word ala Cricket Australia and not being headed by some sundry politician this thing will continue repeating itself.This year its Zaheer's restaurant being attacked maybe in 2011 it'll be Rohit Sharma's home!

Modern media of late has acquired a reputation of being sensationalist and irresponsible. Part of this is attributable to the commercialisation of media. They want to pamper to what the public want to hear. All the newspapers and news channels care about is their circulation and viewership. And the sad part is, this kind of masala reporting is actually increasing their circulation.Responsible reporting these days is restricted to very few newspaper (and hardly one of two news channnels ).
I wish somehow the media cleans up its act and start behaving responsibly again.

"Woe to them who go to great depths to hide their plans from the LORD,who do their work in darkness & think WHO SEES US? WHO WILL KNOW?"
(Isaiah 29:15)

Raj – You yourself are a victim of the media. How can you say that growing beard is a sign of terrorism??? In fact that’s the way the western media portray muslims. Just because there are some so called muslims who don’t follow the guidelines of Islam that doesn’t make the religion wrong. Note you cannot paint all muslims with the same brush.
So pls stop making such comments and always keep an open mind

"It's a pity Woolmer had to die while people like Greg are alive and well.

I'm very disappointed and want the whole management changed!

I'm terrably distressed the way our boys treat us....

You guys NEVER win when it matters and you elevate people to Diety status without merit. I pity you."

You people just do not get it, do you? The people out in the middle are sportsmen. They play a sport. It is nothing more than a GAME!!! Grow up all of you. Stop elevating these people to the status of 'Demi-God' and get on with your lives. The comments above are so bewildering that i'm wondering if they were written to be inflammatory. Grow up, all of you.

IT'S JUST A GAME!!!!!

I feel that India's media is the least objective in the world. I'm surprised any Indian players haven't committed suicide by now. In their game against Bangladesh, they were being shredded to pieces just after Bangladesh had started their innings. There were almost 40 overs yet to be bowled in the game. Hats off to Tendulkar who has played under the tremedous burder of Indian media and public pressure for so long.

These TV channels, Star News, Zee news, etc. cannot be classified as jouranlists. They promote sensationalism at any cost. They are electronic tabloids at best.

A couple was in court fiercely contesting for the right to keep custody of their only daughter after their divorce.

The jugde decided to leave the choice up to the child. When asked who she wanted to live with, she replied, "Daddy beats me." The judged asked, "so you want to live with Mummy."

The girl said, "Mummy beats me also... I want to live with the Indian cricket team, they don't beat anyone ever!"

Spot on Mukul Keshvan.

The Indian News Channels have trivialised news. They try to ‘Create News’ to boost TRPs. Today, some of the channels are almost pointing finger at Pakistani captain, manager and assistant coach. Trial by media is now common. Sarfraz Nawaz has no credibility and just to put their noses ahead, channels started flashing what he had to say.
Unfortunately, ex Indian cricketers are making mullahs by joining these channels in creating news.

Why Cricinfo keep on writing negative about Pakistani Cricket and Cricketers?

I do not understand why you guys always overlook the comments from Sarfraz, Why don't you belive that person when his predictions on the Pakistans matches and Bobs murder were correct. He has questioned the ICC can you dare and write the articules asking for the inquiry on the men leading the world governing body.
Please take him seriously else there will raise aspirations on the press.

Well the incident have happened in PAK>
No point fingering and talking about them now.

What can india learn form this..I think ind and PAK have same trends.. and ind have to think now.and not regret later.
We also have corrupt problems boiling in the underground.....

Well those BOOKIES ARE REAL ANIMALS.we all know that...But the danger is when some(south indian)politicians also join same likes of bookies and help the wound to spread......

Cricket is a money lending machine..and what better time for these Malicious, corrupt unscrupulous,ill-looking terrorist like politician to make money for his organization....

We have to accept there are good ppl @ BCCI.and most parts of india has good boards and players have best facilities...But when this south indian (T..amilnaa.do..) state have Rotten and taken control of the state games then,whole of ind has to take action.. I know this for a fact...

What can we do .quick... WE CANT KICK THIS POLITICIANS CAUSE THEY HAVE THE ARMS POWER AND IAMGE..SOO wat can we do ??
Where do we look at.??
look at english club football. English Premiership club system is the best....
Clubs chelsea,Arsenal,Man Utd even Wigan have good youth system..and they invest heavy in that.If Eng government was controling those ,then good luck for eng football.We need pvt bodies and they can pay the players also.

Well,, there we have to take the good from the english and wipe the parasite from southern state of india.. and make the system clean.................Otherwise we ll also have deaths like equivalant BOBs(this politician can easily do it with their terror power) and have a big black mark in ind cricket.