Joint Press Release by Pakistan Cricket Board

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Event:

Sri Lanka in Pakistan 2008/09

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DateLine: 3rd March 2009

 

Media Release - 03 March 2009

 

This morning around 0845 local time there was an unfortunate incident where the Sri Lankan team's bus was targeted by the terrorists. They even fired a rocket which narrowly missed the bus. It was the presence of mind of the bus driver that despite of the attack he drove the bus fast to the Gaddafi Stadium.

 

At least seven players and one team official received bullet injuries. They were immediately taken to the Services Hospital. Two players were kept under observation in the hospital but later they were released and are traveling with the team.

 

The team was flown out of the Gaddafi Stadium by a PAF helicopter to the Pakistan Air Force Airbase. The Sri Lankan President has specially arranged a plane for the team and they would be flying back to Colombo very soon.

 

The PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt and his team are deeply shocked by this incident and they made every effort to make sure that all medical treatment was provided to the injure players and the flight arrangements accordingly. Even the Governor Punjab Salman Taseer visited the team dressing room and sympathized with the team players over the sad incidence.

 

The PCB officials were in constant touch with the Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Islamabad, Sri Lankan Cricket Board and the local administration.

 

We would say that a terrorist attack of this nature is beyond the control of the PCB management.

 

We also express our condolence to the security men who lost their lives to save the Sri Lankan team players.

 

(Jointly signed by)
Brendon Kruppu, Manager Sri Lanka team
Salim Altaf, Chief Operating Officer PCB

(Article: Copyright © 2009 Pakistan Cricket Board)