ICC Chief Executive thanks Woolmer for contribution to International Cricket Development

International Cricket Council Chief Executive Malcolm Speed today thanked Bob Woolmer for his contribution to the ICC High Performance Program.

Mr Woolmer leaves his position as ICC High Performance Manager to take over as coach of the Pakistan national team.

"Bob has worked with our High Performance nations over the past two-and-a-half years, helping to set up programs that have enabled their players to improve their skill levels," said Mr Speed.

"This work is a key part of the ICC Development Program and its success has been evidenced in the improved performances of the developing nations at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003.

"On behalf of the International Cricket Council I wish him every success in his future endeavours."

Mr Woolmer's initial contract was to work with Canada, Holland, Kenya and Namibia up to the start of the ICC Cricket World Cup, but it was extended to continue after the event and to embrace Scotland and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

He has also been involved in the rapid increase in the amount of competitive international cricket for the developing nations, including the launch of the ICC Intercontinental Cup 2004, which brought first-class three-day cricket to 12 Associate Member countries for the first time.

The ICC will ensure that the High Performance nations continue to receive the necessary support throughout this year's ICC Intercontinental Cup, the semi-finals and final of which are in the United Arab Emirates in November, and in the build-up to next year's ICC Trophy in Ireland - the qualifying event for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007.

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