Woolmer to carry on as Pakistan prepare to play One-dayers
Pakistan Times Sports Desk

LONDON (UK): Bob Woolmer said Thursday he would remain as Pakistan coach but admitted he had contemplated resigning in the wake of the ball-tampering row that has threatened to wreck the team's tour of Englad.

And, in a separate announcement, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar Khan, also on London, insisted the side would go ahead with the one-day international leg of the tour.

Woolmer, who some press reports suggested was on the verge of resigning, told media: "Throughout this whole affair I have remained solidly behind the Pakistan team and captain.

"I did contemplate resigning as I am 58 and at an age where I do not need these things in my career and life," the former England batsman admitted.

"I was very 'down' at the time but I feel it is important now to stay strong at this time.

"I have always been 100 percent with the team and the captain," Woolmer, keen to stress there was no rift between himself, skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq and the players added.

Pakistan threatened to boycott the remainder of their tour if captain Inzamam-ul-Haq was banned as a result of charges of ball-tampering and bringing cricket into disrepute following their forfeiture of the fourth and final Test against England at The Oval.

His case was due to be heard in London on Friday but the hearing was delayed because of the unavailability through personal reasons of ICC chief match referee Ranjan Madugalle to hear the case.

However, Shaharyar said there would be a meeting in London on Friday between legal representatives which he was confident would produce a new date and venue for the hearing.●