Carrom Association

I was saddened to hear about the murder of Bob Woolmer, the Pakistani cricket coach, in Jamaica.

Although I am not a cricket fan it was still upsetting to think that a man in the prime of life could be so easily killed.
And for what?

Obviously we don’t know all the details but I have read there was no forced entry to his hotel room which suggests that he knew his murderer or murderers.

There have been allegations of match rigging, bribes and corruption in cricket matches for nearly a decade now.

Then today I read that the police are looking for Khwaja Aarif, also known as Pappu or Durrani, a top Pakistani bookie, who is suspected of being involved with Dawood Ibrahim.

The USA have branded Ibrahim a terrorist.

Seemingly he learned about betting by going to carrom clubs in the 1970’s. Unbelievable!

Please someone tell me this isn’t so.

I have always thought carrom, and cricket for that matter, to be games played by gentle men.

Bob Woolmer, who was born in India, had been writing a book and had gone to India to meet New Delhi police commissioner, K K Paul.

Paul has investigated match rigging and had interviewed several bookies and cricketers in the past.

Now there will be a murder investigation.

I hope they catch the people responsible for this henious crime, soon.

My heartfelt condonences go to Bob’s wife, sons, family and friends.