ECB condemns attack on Sri Lanka

_{ICC president David Morgan and chief executive Haroon Lorgat speak to the media after the Lahore attack}

The ECB is shocked and saddened by the senseless attack on the Sri Lanka cricketers and match officials by terrorists in Lahore today. Our thoughts are with the families of those who have been killed or injured in this despicable attack.

The ECB has also been in touch with both boards, the ICC and the Sri Lanka team to offer their thoughts and condolences to those involved.

Seven Sri Lanka players were injured when gunmen opened fire on their team bus on the way to the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore for day three of the second Test against Pakistan.

Thilan Samaraweera and Tharanga Paranavitana were most seriously injured. Samaraweera suffered a leg wound and Paranavitana a chest injury. Both were treated in hospital.

Captain Mahela Jayawardene, Ajantha Mendis, Kumar Sangakkara, Chaminda Vaas, Suranga Lakmal and assistant coach Paul Farbrace, the former Kent and Middlesex wicketkeeper, were also hurt in the attack.

An army helicopter prepares to airlift the Sri Lanka squad members, who were not hospitalised, to safety

The remaining players in the Sri Lanka squad were airlifted from the ground to safety by an army helicopter.

The final Test of the two-match series has been abandoned and the Sri Lanka team are due to return home at the earliest opportunity.

The attack also left six Pakistan policemen dead, according to Sri Lanka Cricket, as well as two civilians.

Former England batsman and current ICC match referee Chris Broad, travelling in the vehicle behind the Sri Lanka team bus, was unhurt in the attack.

Broad, umpires Simon Taufel and Steve Davies and TV umpire Nadeem Chauri were unhurt. But the driver of their vehicle was killed by gunfire and the officials were driven to safety by a policeman.

A statement from Sri Lanka Cricket read: “The Sri Lankan Test team which faced a brutal attack this morning en-route to the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, to resume day three of the second Test match is likely to return to the country within the next few hours.

“Official reports confirmed that five players have been injured, including a member of the coaching staff.

“Thilan Samaraweera, who is still undergoing medical treatment due to a leg wound, and Tharanga Paranawithana, who had a chest injury, were the ones most seriously injured.

Sri Lanka players wait to be airlifted from the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore following today's terrorist attack on their team bus

“Other players who received minor injuries are Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardena, Kumar Sangakkara and Ajantha Mendis. The assistant coach Paul Farbrace has also been injured.

“The attack also left six Pakistani security personnel and two civilians dead but officials confirmed that all the Sri Lankan players and staff are out of danger and will be leaving Pakistan as soon as possible.”

A statement on the Sri Lanka government’s website had earlier confirmed: “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.

Sri Lanka were only in Pakistan after India had been barred by the Indian government from touring the country following the Mumbai terror attacks last November.

Pakistan had reached 110 for one in reply to Sri Lanka's first innings of 606 all out at the end of day two of the second Test. The first Test in Karachi had ended in a draw.