Srilankan Cricket team was today attacked by some unidentified gunmen at Liberty Chowk,Lahore. The open firing injured seven cricket players seriously. Kumar Sangakkara, Ajantha Mendis,Thilan Samaraweera and Tharanga Paranavithana are identified as four of the injured cricketers . The bus carrying Sri Lankan cricket team and its police escort was on its way to Gaddafi stadium when the incident took place. Two gunmen opened up up a fire for 3-5 minutes killing Five policemen, and seriously injuring three more. The injured policemen and the players have been rushed to the hospital. The encounter is believed to still being persistent. The attackers who are believed to have come in a white car used Rocket launchers as well. The background on the attack is yet to be received by the authorities.
Many foreign cricket teams have in past refused touring Pakistan and it was for this very reason. Security concerns have hit Pakistan for years and the country seems to still retain its unsafe stature with the incident. It is to be noted that the Sri Lankan team is filling in the void created when India pulled out with security concerns following the militant attacks on the Indian city of Mumbai in November. The incident comes as a salt rubbing on the Lankan players where their countrymen back home are still recovering from the attacks of LTTE.
As per the latest news, Srilanka has called off the Pakistan tour.
I think its all over for PCB. Now None of the test playing nations would want to go to Pakistan and Play cricket or for that any other game. Also pak cricket team wont dare to visit any other country in this situations as they may also face some kind of threat.
This will also affect next WC which is supposed to be palyed in Indian subcontinent and other neighbouring countries. May affect IPL as well. I pray, all SL players and staff reach their home safely.
Worrying situation…the developments in Pak have a profound influence on the security scenario here in India. And our worries dont seem to end!! Had just read today in the papers that the Taliban is busy strengthening its control over Karachi with most of its cadre having infiltrated key installations. The attack on the cricketers above this only proves how worse it is actually. It would be a catastrophe in case the Taliban is able to gain control over Pak. We Indians need to be geared up for any eventualities in the coming years as the setting doesnt seem rosy. Having said that, my best wishes with all the like minded commoners in Pakistani civil society. Only hoping they’ll tide over the crisis threatening their nation…
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