The match-fixing theory A match-fixing mafia murdered him because he planned to reveal that some Pakistan cricketers had taken money to throw matches, says the former Pakistan cricketer Sarfraz Nawaz.
For Woolmer had told friends that he was planning to write a book with the Times writer Ivo Tennant, raising concerns that he would address the issue of match fixing.

Pakistan cricket has been beset by allegations of cheating. In 2000, the former captain Salim Malik and the bowler Ata-ur-Rehman were found guilty of match-fixing and banned for life, although Ata-ur-Rehman was allowed to return in May 2007.

Gangs involved in match-fixing would have the knowledge and the contacts to arrange the silent death of a man by strangulation.
Against Tennant says that Woolmer had never mentioned any plans to disclose a match-fixing plot. Woolmer’s wife also said that he had not mentioned any such allegation to her.

A gang could have carried out such a killing with relative ease in a deserted place such as a back street near Woolmer’s home in Pakistan.

There were few signs of a struggle at the crime scene and it is is unlikely that Woolmer would have allowed a stranger into his room.

The angry fan theory Woolmer was killed by a disgruntled fan or group of fans who were angered by Pakistan’s poor display against Ireland and wanted revenge.
For The defeat was the biggest shock ever witnessed in World Cup cricket.

Pakistan supporters are fanatical. After the loss images of Pakistanis chanting “Death to Woolmer” were broadcast across the world.
Against The true fanatics could only be found in Pakistan. Would the team’s relatively wealthy fans who had paid to fly to the Caribbean risk all to murder their faltering team’s coach?

The frustrated player theory A Pakistan player or squad member killed Woolmer after the defeat to Ireland revealed deep divisions between managers and players.
For He was known to have a tense relationship with a number of players. If any player thought that he may be implicated in a match-fixing scandal, he would also have wanted to stop Woolmer from bringing out his book.

He would have allowed a player into his room, explaining why there appears not have been any signs of a forced entry. Against The Pakistan players are rich, respected and famous in their home country and have lucrative careers. It seems unlikely they would risk all to commit a murder.

Woolmer may not have been liked by all but was greatly respected by most of the team, according to insiders. He had socialised with the players’ families.

The local crooks theory Woolmer was killed after disturbing a thief or gang of thieves who had entered his room.

For It would have been simple for a thief to find out where Woolmer was staying.

He carried computer equipment, cash and other items that would have been seen as a reasonable haul.
Against No suggestion of forced entry to his 12th-floor room, which was difficult to enter from outside.

Police have said that they could find no evidence of anything being stolen.

The personal enemy theory An unknown person carried out a personal vendetta.
For With the lack of any other evidence, police are trawling Woolmer’s past to discover whether anyone either inside or outside cricket has a grudge against him.

His computer is being examined for evidence of any concerns that he might have had for his safety.
Against Friends and family have insisted that he has no obvious enemies or hidden secrets.

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