Lanka calls off Pak tour following terror attack

In one of the alarming and devious terror attacks, at least six Sri Lankan cricket players were reportedly injured on Tuesday when some unidentified gunmen opened indiscriminate firing at the visitors near the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore, Pakistan.

According to The News, the firing began just when the Lankan team was about to enter the stadium where the second Test match is being played.

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The Sri Lankan Sports Minister, Gamini Lokuge has confirmed reports about two of its cricketers being injured in the attack, but refused to disclose the names of the players.

The Dawn News quoting City police chief Haji Habibur Rehman said: 'It was a terrorist attack in which 12 masked gunmen used rocket launchers, hand grenades and other weapons.'

Meanwhile, President of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa, has unequivocally condemned the cowardly terrorist attack and directed the Sports Ministry to bring back all members of the team, ensuring their safety and security.

As per various media reports, skipper Mahela Jayawardena and Kumar Sangakkara were among the injured. A total of seven people have been killed in the attack including five police personnel.

The Lankan authority has also sent instruction to its High Commissioner in Islamabad to facilitate the arrangements with Pakistani authorities on medical attention for the players in hospital, and their safe return of the team to Sri Lanka.

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Yusuf Yusuf Raza Gilani have strongly condemned the attack on Sri Lankan cricket team and ordered for an immediate enquiry into the dastardly attack.

This attack has certainly brought bad name to Pakistan with large uncertainty over future international sporting events in Pakistan. Furthermore, the ongoing political turmoil in the nation also makes it critical for any development as far as the security is concerned.

Indian cricket board has also expressed shock over the incident, as last December the Indian government had called off their tour to Pakistan citing security fears. Sri Lanka had replaced India for the cricket series.