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Craig HillSri Lankan Players Shot At In Pakistan
March 3rd 2009 11:44
Thilan Samaraweera, Ajantha Mendis, Tharanga Paranavitana, Kumar Sangakkara and Thilan Thushara have been injured after gunmen opened fire on the Sri Lanka team bus on the way to the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore ahead of the third day of the second Test against Pakistan, Sri Lanka sports minister Gamini Lokuge confirmed.
Lokuge added two players are receiving treatment in hospital including Samaraweera, who was shot in the thigh.
Cricket Australia have also confirmed that contrary to earlier reports Sri Lankan coach Trevor Bayliss was not harmed and the two Australian umpires Simon Taufell and Steve Davis who were also involved in the attack also escaped injury.
Reports also suggest five policemen were killed when the team bus was fired upon by unidentified armed gunmen 100 metres from the stadium.
"We were told that there was a shooting incident while the team was on its way to the stadium. The players have returned to the hotel," Lokuge told CNN-INB.
"Two players are still receiving treatment in hospital. Thilan Samaraweera, Ajantha Mendis, Tharanga Paranavitana, Kumar Sangakkara, Thilan Thushara are those that have been injured. Samaraweera is still in hospital, he has been hit in the thigh."
"We are waiting for more information and a report from the High Commission and Pakistan Cricket Board."
"We are shocked by this incident and we are worried about the players' safety. We are discussing with the other members of the cricket board about what steps to take now. In all probability we will withdraw the team."
A statement on the Sri Lanka government's official website confirmed that a number of players had been injured and that the Test match against Pakistan has now been called off.
"Several Sri Lankan cricketers including Kumar Sangakkara, Ajantha Mendis, Thilan Samaraweera and Tharanga Paranavitana were injured in a shooting incident in Lahore a short while ago," read the statement.
"According to available information, gunmen fired on a convoy carrying Pakistani and Sri Lankan cricketers. Unconfirmed reports say some policemen had been killed by the shooting."
"Meanwhile the second Test match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan has been called off after the incident."
Sri Lanka were contesting the first Test series to take place in Pakistan in 14 months.
Several teams have recently refused to tour Pakistan due to security concerns and last year's Champions Trophy was postponed over similar worries.
PA Sport
Lokuge added two players are receiving treatment in hospital including Samaraweera, who was shot in the thigh.
Cricket Australia have also confirmed that contrary to earlier reports Sri Lankan coach Trevor Bayliss was not harmed and the two Australian umpires Simon Taufell and Steve Davis who were also involved in the attack also escaped injury.
Reports also suggest five policemen were killed when the team bus was fired upon by unidentified armed gunmen 100 metres from the stadium.
Thilan Samaraweera
"We were told that there was a shooting incident while the team was on its way to the stadium. The players have returned to the hotel," Lokuge told CNN-INB.
"Two players are still receiving treatment in hospital. Thilan Samaraweera, Ajantha Mendis, Tharanga Paranavitana, Kumar Sangakkara, Thilan Thushara are those that have been injured. Samaraweera is still in hospital, he has been hit in the thigh."
"We are waiting for more information and a report from the High Commission and Pakistan Cricket Board."
"We are shocked by this incident and we are worried about the players' safety. We are discussing with the other members of the cricket board about what steps to take now. In all probability we will withdraw the team."
A statement on the Sri Lanka government's official website confirmed that a number of players had been injured and that the Test match against Pakistan has now been called off.
"Several Sri Lankan cricketers including Kumar Sangakkara, Ajantha Mendis, Thilan Samaraweera and Tharanga Paranavitana were injured in a shooting incident in Lahore a short while ago," read the statement.
"According to available information, gunmen fired on a convoy carrying Pakistani and Sri Lankan cricketers. Unconfirmed reports say some policemen had been killed by the shooting."
"Meanwhile the second Test match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan has been called off after the incident."
Sri Lanka were contesting the first Test series to take place in Pakistan in 14 months.
Several teams have recently refused to tour Pakistan due to security concerns and last year's Champions Trophy was postponed over similar worries.
PA Sport
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