Terror attack near Gaddafi stadium by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Event:

Sri Lanka in Pakistan 2008/09

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DateLine: 3rd March 2009

 

A shoot out occurred in Lahore close to the Gaddafi Stadium where the second Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is currently underway. The Sri Lankan team was reportedly in the vicinity of Liberty market, where the firing occurred, and were on their way to the stadium. Pakistan Cricket Board security official Nadeem Iqbal says the team members were injured near the Gaddafi stadium where they were due to arrive to play in the second test against Pakistan.

 

Sri Lankan team manager Brendon Kruppu confirmed the incident and said the team's players, Kumar Sangakkara, Ajantha Mendis, are among the injured. In Sri Lanka, sports minister Gamini Lokuge said two other players, Tharanga Paranavitana and Thilan Samaraweera, had been taken to hospital in Lahore.

 

"We are assessing the situation," Pakistan cricket board chief Ejaz Butt said.

 

Unidentified gunmen attacked the bus taking the Sri Lankan cricket squad and its police escort to a cricket stadium in Lahore, according to witnesses and cricket officials. Five policemen have also been killed as the police van escorting Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore was fired upon. Confirms the police chief in Lahore.

 

The Test match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan stands cancelled. Security concerns have plagued Pakistan for years and some foreign sports teams have refused to play here. The shootout occurred at around 9.00 am local time. The third day of the Lahore Test is scheduled to begin at 10.00 am.