Lorgat 'dismayed' by terrorist attack

A bullet hole in the windscreen of the Sri Lanka team bus tells the tale of the terrorist attacks

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The international cricket community reacted with shock to the news of the attack on the Sri Lanka team in Lahore.

Seven players were injured when terrorists opened fire as the team bus made its way to the Gaddafi Stadium ahead of the third day of the second Test, with six policemen killed in the ensuing battle as well as two civilians.

Thilan Samaraweera and Tharanga Paranavitana were treated in hospital for leg and chest injuries respectively, while 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.

International Cricket Council chief executive Haroon Lorgat led the condemnation of the attacks, while expressing his sympathy for the victims.

“We note with dismay and regret the events of this morning in Lahore and we condemn this attack without reservation,” he said.

“It is a source of great sadness that there have been a number of fatalities in this attack and it is also very upsetting for the wider cricket family that some of the Sri Lanka players and one match official have been injured in this attack.

“At this time our thoughts and prayers are with the injured people and also the families of those who have died.

“I have confirmed with both member boards that the remainder of the tour has been cancelled and we are working hard to get our match officials out of the area as safely and as quickly as possible.

Haroon Lorgat expressed his sadness at the shocking events in Lahore today

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“I know, also, that the Pakistan Cricket Board is working with Sri Lanka Cricket to make sure the players are flown home at the earliest opportunity.”

Australia captain Ricky Ponting and South Africa skipper Graeme Smith admitted the attack had been felt in South Africa, where the sides are involved in a Test series.

“On behalf of the Australian cricket team I would like to express our deepest condolences to those who have been affected by the tragic events in Pakistan this morning,” said Ponting.

“An act of violence like this is a terrible thing and when it involves those who are part of our cricketing family, players the world over are affected.

“The wider cricketing community has been shocked by what has occurred and our thoughts and full support is with those involved.

“We have spoken with members of the Sri Lankan team this morning and made them aware we are extremely saddened by what has happened and that our best wishes are with them all.

“We hope that those who have been injured in these attacks can make a full and quick recovery and return to representing their country soon.”

Smith added: “The word ‘tragedy’ is often used to describe a setback on a sporting field but this is a real tragedy.

Ricky Ponting condemned the "terrible act of violence" in Pakistan

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“It is a tragedy for all the people of Pakistan and Sri Lanka, it is a tragedy for cricket and it is a tragedy for all decent people.

“There is a tremendous brotherhood between players around the world and at this moment the South African team extends its sympathy to all those who have been affected by this terrible event.

“We are hurting after our defeat yesterday but this puts into perspective what real suffering is. Our thoughts are with the players and we hope that they arrive home safely to their families.”

Australia pulled out of a scheduled tour of Pakistan last year because of security concerns, with five one-day internationals and a Twenty20 now scheduled in the United Arab Emirates starting next month.

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said: “Australian cricket has many friends in Sri Lanka and in Pakistan and we sincerely hope they are all safe after this awful incident.

“We are deeply saddened to hear reports that security officials in Pakistan have been killed in this attack. We will be seeking to talk to Sri Lankan and Pakistan cricket officials as soon as possible to pass on our condolences.”

His Cricket South Africa counterpart, Gerald Majola, said: “It's the worst possible news for cricket and all cricket loving nations.

“Our thoughts are with all victims of this terrible attack as the cricket world come to grips with this shocking news.”

Abdul Qadir claimed the attack was "the worst incident" in cricket history

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This was the first Test series to take place in Pakistan for 14 months, following Australia’s withdrawal last year and the cancellation of India’s tour because of strained relations between the two nations.

Pakistan chief selector Abdul Qadir said: "As a former cricketer, I can only say this is the worst incident to have happened to the game. We are all shocked and disturbed by this.

"It was a great gesture of friendship from Sri Lanka to have come to Pakistan for this series. This is a terrible incident and we will have to wait and see what impact it could have on the future of cricket in the country.

"Obviously this presents a very poor image of the country. The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board will decide just how we go forward from here. We can only keep our fingers crossed.”

Secretary of state for culture, media and sport Andy Burnham added: "The attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team is shocking and senseless, and today is a grim day for sport.

“The game of cricket brings players, spectators and nations together in a common, peaceful, purpose, and this appalling attack is a grotesque violation of that.

“Our thoughts are with the Sri Lankan cricketers and with the families of the Pakistani police officers who died protecting them.”

_{ICC President David Morgan and Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat speak to the media after the Lahore attacks}