Gunmen attacked a bus carrying the Sri Lankan national cricket team Tuesday morning as it approached Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore for a match against Pakistan, wounding six or seven players.
Local media reported that at least five security personnel were killed and several others were wounded
"This is a very well-planned attack," according to security official Nadeem Sayed, who said some of the players were in serious condition. "The team is very much scared."
At least twelve gunmen were involved in the attack on the bus. These gunmen were carrying automatic rifles, Kalashnikov Rifles and Grenade Launchers.
The players reported injured are Thilan Samaraweera, Kumar Sangakkara, Ajantha Mendis, Mahela Jayawardene, Tharanga Paranavithana and Chaminda Vaas. Vaas was reportedly carried off on a stretcher while Samaraweera was reportedly shot at.
Six policemen are reported dead. The van carrying the umpires was also attacked. Assistant coach Paul Farbrace has also been reportedly injured. The fourth umpire Ahsan Raza critically injured.
The Sri Lankan tour has been officially called off.
The Sri Lankan team has been air lifted from the Gaddafi Stadium of Lahore to the Allama Iqbal International airport from where they would leave Pakistan for Sri Lanka in the next available flight.
This incident will prove to be devastating for future sporting events to be helf in Pakistan. ICC CEO Mr. Haroon has called in an emegency meeting wherein they would decide about the future of the 2011 cricket world cup which was supposed to be held in the Indian Subcontinent.
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