Grieving Pakistan averted World Cup chaos by agreeing to play their last match against Zimbabwe despite the death of coach Bob Woolmer.
KINGSTON, JAMAICA: Grieving Pakistan averted World Cup chaos on Wednesday by agreeing to play their last match against Zimbabwe despite the tragic death of coach Bob Woolmer.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) said the group D match will go ahead as scheduled at the Sabina Park here later on Wednesday following talks with the Pakistan team management.
The confirmation followed a meeting between the Pakistan team management and officials from the local police, the ICC and Cricket World Cup, a statement from the Council said on Wednesday.
"The Pakistan management indicated they were comfortable with the arrangements surrounding the team and that the match would take place," the statement added.
"The match will be preceded by a minute's silence as a mark of respect for former Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer, who passed away on Sunday."
Earlier media reports suggested Pakistan may speak to the ICC about pulling out since many of the players were not in the right mental frame to play.
Jamaica police have confirmed they were treating Woolmer's death as suspicious amid suggestions the former England Test batsman may have been murdered.
The match on Wednesday is inconsequential for Pakistan, who have already been knocked out of the tournament after losing their first two games to the West Indies and Ireland.
But it holds immense significance for Zimbabwe and Ireland, whose progress into the second round from the group along with the West Indies depends on it.
Ireland have three points and Zimbabwe one, but the Africans would have drawn level if Pakistan had not played, and could have squeezed ahead if Ireland suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of West Indies on Friday.
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