Members of the Pakistan cricket team observe a minute of silence last night at a memorial service in remembrance of coach Bob Woolmer, who died on Sunday. The service was held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter

Itwas a sombre mood last night at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston, as members of the Pakistan cricket team held a memorial service in remembrance of Pakistan's coach, Bob Woolmer, who died on Sunday.

In front of a packed room of local and international journalists, each member of the team paid tribute to Mr. Woolmer. A minute of silence was also observed.

Pervez Mir, media manager for the Pakistan team, said Mr. Woolmer's death was a great loss. He noted that the team had gone through a lot of tension and mental torture since the death of the coach on Sunday, hence the reason for holding the memorial service last night.

Talat Ali, manager of the cricket team, said his association with Mr. Woolmer has been great. "He really worked hard for the Pakistan team.

A good coach

"I miss him very much. He was a good coach," said Inzamam-ul-Haq, captain of the team.

Mushtaq Ahmed, assistant coach of the cricket team, described Mr. Woolmer as a loving friend.

"He was our heart and we have lost our heart. He was a humble man (and) he used to forgive people easily," he said.

Mr. Woolmer, 58, was found unconscious in his room at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel Sunday morning, less than 24 hours after his team lost all hope of advancing in the Cricket World Cup, after a shock loss to Ireland at Sabina Park. He was pronounced dead at the University Hospital of the West Indies.

Some members of the Irish cricket team also paid tribute to Mr. Woolmer.