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Post by Robin on Mar 3, 2009 9:19:52 GMT 1
Gunmen have attacked a bus carrying the Sri Lankan cricket team on its way to play in the Pakistani city of Lahore.
At least five Pakistani policemen escorting the team bus were killed, while at least five cricketers, and their assistant coach, were injured.
Pakistani officials said about 12 gunmen were involved and grenades and rocket launchers have been recovered.
Officials said the incident bore the hallmarks of deadly attacks in Mumbai in India last November.
The Mumbai attacks were blamed on Pakistan-based Islamic militants.
Commentators say the incident will come as a big blow to Pakistani cricket - already suffering from serious security concerns - and may put an end to international cricket in the country in the short term.
Pakistan had invited Sri Lanka to tour after India's cricket team pulled out of a scheduled cricket tour following the Mumbai attacks.
The gunmen opened fire on the Sri Lankan team bus which was in the heart of Lahore on its way to the Gaddafi stadium, venue for a Test match between the two sides.
Witnesses reported an intense burst of heavy gunfire and explosions, as the gunmen first aimed for the police detail accompanying the team, before attacking the team coach.
Officials in Lahore said two members of the Sri Lankan team - Thilan Samaraweera and Tharanga Paranavitana - were sent to hospital. At least another four received minor wounds, including assistant coach Paul Farbrace.
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Post by Robin on Mar 3, 2009 9:20:36 GMT 1
Very bad for Pakistani cricket and will definitely put an end to hosting any further international fixtures for quite a while  |
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Post by wonderwall on Mar 3, 2009 9:22:36 GMT 1
who was the 4th umpire he got shot and is badly injured?
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Post by Robin on Mar 3, 2009 9:31:27 GMT 1
I don't know actually, I haven't heard that! I guess the only positive is that it could have been A LOT worse!
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Post by Panda on Mar 3, 2009 9:56:45 GMT 1
I've read the umpires' driver was killed but they were unhurt. Chris Broad is there as match referee.
Terrible situation and as Robin said, it's hard to see international cricket being played in Pakistan any time soon, but that's irrelevant when people are being killed.
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Post by o on Mar 3, 2009 14:02:43 GMT 1
If it is a similar group that carried out the hotel shootings, then it was lucky that it was not a lot worse, obviously anyone killed is horrible, but imagine if the gunmen had actually got into the coaches!
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Elmer
Member
Posts: 7,318
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Post by Elmer on Mar 3, 2009 20:12:06 GMT 1
I'm deeply saddened by this |
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