Lankan cricketers attacked in Pakistan
Unidentified gunmen opened fired at the Lankan players and sources claimed that at least three to four players have been injured. Lahore test called off
By PTI |
LAHORE: In a shocking turn of events, Sri Lankan cricket team was on Tuesday attacked in Pakistan when the players were on their way to Gaddafi stadium for the third day's play of the second Test match here.
Unidentified gunmen opened fired at the Lankan players and sources in the visiting team claimed that at least three to four players have been injured.
Police officials confirmed that at least five of their personnel, accompanying the team, have been killed.
According to details, the incident took place when the Sri Lankan team was near the liberty round about which is close to the stadium.
"The firing took place from at least four sides and continued for some minutes," one police official said.
One explosion was also heard at the stadium. The attackers later escaped in separate groups. The liaison officer of the Pakistan team said players of the host nation have been sent back to the hotel.
"The Sri Lankan players are presently safe at the Gaddafi stadium and they are getting treatment," one PCB official said.
Sources also claimed that the police had received a threat on Monday that the Sri Lankan team would be attacked so a different route was used to transport the team to the stadium.
Officials say gunmen in east Pakistan opened fire on a vehicle carrying members of Sri Lanka's national cricket team, wounding at least eight members and killing five police officers.
The attack in Lahore came at a time of unrest in both Pakistan and Sri Lanka, both of whom are trying to defeat insurgencies. It was unclear who was behind the assault, however, but it appeared to have been carefully coordinated.
Eight members of the Sri Lankan team were injured near Gaddafi Stadium, Pakistan Cricket Board security official Nadeem Iqbal said.
City police chief Haji Habibur Rehman said five policemen died in the shooting. Security concerns have plagued Pakistan for years and some foreign sports teams have refused to play here.
Unidentified gunmen opened fired at the Lankan players and sources in the visiting team claimed that at least three to four players have been injured.
Police officials confirmed that at least five of their personnel, accompanying the team, have been killed.
According to details, the incident took place when the Sri Lankan team was near the liberty round about which is close to the stadium.
"The firing took place from at least four sides and continued for some minutes," one police official said.
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One explosion was also heard at the stadium. The attackers later escaped in separate groups. The liaison officer of the Pakistan team said players of the host nation have been sent back to the hotel.
"The Sri Lankan players are presently safe at the Gaddafi stadium and they are getting treatment," one PCB official said.
Sources also claimed that the police had received a threat on Monday that the Sri Lankan team would be attacked so a different route was used to transport the team to the stadium.
Officials say gunmen in east Pakistan opened fire on a vehicle carrying members of Sri Lanka's national cricket team, wounding at least eight members and killing five police officers.
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The attack in Lahore came at a time of unrest in both Pakistan and Sri Lanka, both of whom are trying to defeat insurgencies. It was unclear who was behind the assault, however, but it appeared to have been carefully coordinated.
Eight members of the Sri Lankan team were injured near Gaddafi Stadium, Pakistan Cricket Board security official Nadeem Iqbal said.
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City police chief Haji Habibur Rehman said five policemen died in the shooting. Security concerns have plagued Pakistan for years and some foreign sports teams have refused to play here.
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