The tragic circumstances surrounding the death of former England and Kent all-rounder Bob Woolmer could have a negative impact on Pakistani cricket for years to come, according to former West Indies batsman Larry Gomes.

As news of the Englishman’s murder continued to be the main talking point around the Caribbean yesterday, Gomes paid tribute to his former rival and said hoped justice would be served at the end of the day.

“Mr.Chris Dehring (CEO and ICC managing director for World Cup 2007) wanted this World Cup to be the best ever. But with this tragic incident here I don’t think it will be that as Bob’s death has overshadowed the event itself. And it’s a pity, but also one of these things you have to live with,” Gomes told The Royal Gazette.

“I think this tragic incident will have a negative impact on cricket in Pakistan while coaches will now think twice before taking on a job as coach in that part of the world.”

Gomes believes Woolmer’s death could also give a bad impression of the region.

“This may also have a negative impact in the entire Caribbean although the incident happened in Jamaica. I think it may have an effect on all of the islands, particularly in the tourism industry,” he said.

“This incident has been broadcast all over the world and I’m sure people know all about it. People may now think again about coming to this part of the world.”

Gomes, who represented the West Indies between 1976 and 1987 added: “It is very sad what has happened, and hopefully justice will be done in the end.

“I played a lot of cricket against Bob. I was at Middlesex while he was at Kent. Bob was a very useful cricketer, a decent all-rounder and a very nice chap.

“It’s very sad what’s happened here, and my condolences go out to his wife and family. Hopefully things will be sorted out.” Meanwhile, Dennis Wainwright, arguably the finest wicketkeeper Bermuda has ever produced, fondly remembered the late Pakistan coach who was found unconscious in his hotel room last Sunday following his team’s shock defeat to Ireland in Jamaica.

“It’s sad we have some people in the world who have no concern for other people’s lives. As the old-time people used to say, we often put the saddle on the wrong horse and blame the wrong people. Bob was the coach of Pakistan, but he didn’t play the game and so he can’t perform for the players,” Wainwright said. “I don’t think this incident will ever be forgotten, and I’m almost certain it is going to have some sort of impact on cricket in Pakistan.”

The former Flatts and St. George’s Cup Match star met Woolmer at Lord’s on a tour of England with Bermuda.

“I had a few words with him and he was a nice man. I am very sorry to hear of his death, but this just goes to show you how serious some of these countries take their cricket,” Wainwright said.

“Some people are very passionate when it comes to cricket, but the game can certainly do without something like this.” Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) executive Allen Richardson agreed.

“I am totally shocked to hear that Bob’s case is now being treated as a murder,” he said. “I am very disturbed to know that a team at this level would lose a match and as a consequence the coach would be murdered.

“It’s totally unbelievable but just goes to show how serious this sport is taken in other countries while we tend to take cricket for granted in Bermuda.”