SriLankan cricketers attacked
Gunmen have attacked a bus carrying the SriLankan cricket team on its way to play in the Pakistani city of Lahore.
At least six policemen escorting the team bus were killed, along with a driver. Seven cricketers and assistant coach were injured.
Pakistani officials said about 12 gunmen were involved and grenades and rocket launchers have been recovered.
Officials said the incident bore similarities to deadly attacks in Mumbai last November.
The Mumbai attacks were blamed on Pakistan-based Islamic militants.
Pakistani cricket was already suffering from security concerns.
Pakistan invited SriLanka to tour only after India’s cricket team pulled out of a scheduled cricket tour on security grounds, following the Mumbai attacks.
Reports suggest that 10 to 12 gunmen ambushed the team coach and its accompanying police detail on the Liberty Square roundabout in the heart of Lahore, as the convoy was on the way to the Gaddaffi stadium for a test match.
The injured players include Thilan Samaraweera, Tharanga Paranavitana, Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Ajantha Mendis, Suranga Lakmal, Chaminda Vaas and Assistant Coach Paul Farbrace.
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