Breaking News From Lahore - Terrorism Targets Cricket

Cricket has entered its darkest day with the Sri Lankan Cricket Team attacked by gunfire on their way to a match in Lahore, Pakistan. For historical reference we can look back to the tragic days of the Munich Olympics where sportsmen were targeted in such a manner. Many people will be watching closely to see if its impact could be as significant.

The Sri Lankan team was travelling from its hotel to the Gadafi Stadium in Lahore when it came under fire from masked gunmen although details of the attackers and the damage caused are still sketchy.

It appears that up to six security guards and two civilians have been killed and up to ten players and officials from the Sri Lankan camp were injured in the attack. Captain Mahela Jayawardene and Vice Captain Kumar Sangakkara have apparently received minor injuries but it is thought that at least two of the players have received gunshot wounds. At this stage none of the injuries suffered by the Sri Lankan team and their entourage appear to be life threatening, which is the only positive in this tragic set of circumstances.

It is reported that the gunmen also turned their attention on a car carrying the two Australian umpires for the game but both thankfully escaped with no serious injuries. The Australian coach of Sri Lanka was with the team and also suffered minor injuries in the attack. It appears that the Pakistan team were travelling towards the back of the convoy and were not directly fired upon. Duleep Mendis, the Sri Lankan Cricket Chief, has said that they were "getting the Sri Lankan Cricket team back home as soon as possible". This will end the tour and one can only imagine when the next international team will venture to Pakistan.

International sides such as New Zealand, Australia and the West Indies have called off tours to Pakistan in the last few years over fears for their player's safety. The ICC has also moved matches and tournaments scheduled to be played in Pakistan due to concerns that the authorities may not be able to ensure the safety of international cricketers. Many people were critical of these cautious decisions but they seemed to have been vindicated by this attack. The Sri Lankan team was assured that their safety was never an issue before they decided to make this tour, but unfortunately this has not been the case.

The fact that the gunmen targeted a foreign team is of the utmost concern. It is also worrying that the attack was targeted at a subcontinent team. Cricket has often been credited as the one thing that transcends the political problems that have plagued the subcontinent. Cricket is one constant that has continued to capture the hearts of these nations, and any political or religious differences have been held at bay so that cricketers can compete against each other in hard fought, but well controlled contests.

It is important that no one jumps to any conclusions yet as to who the attackers were and their objectives or motives. One can only pray that it is a small group of crack pots with a flimsy political agenda. It will become clear in the next few days just what the impact this attack will have on the game. The world's cricket community will have to react quickly and take stock of the situation in order to save one of the only sports that can be truly considered a world game.

Pokernews will continue to provide regular updates on this situation and our thoughts go out to all the victims and cricket lovers who will be affected by this most heinous crime targeted against innocent people.

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