Woolmer thanked for his contribution

London : The International Cricket Council has lauded the contribution of Bob Woolmer, who was appointed the coach of the Pakistan team yesterday. Bob has worked with High Performance nations over the past two-and-a-half years, and helped to set up programmes that have enabled their players to improve their skill levels. Woolmer's initial contract was to work with Canada, Holland, Kenya and Namibia up to the start of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003. His contract was extended till after the event in order to embrace Scotland and the United Arab Emirates. 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 Woolmer also helped to bring 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. (PTI)