Terrorist attack on Sri Lankan cricket team
It was one of those things you joke about - how cricketers were too scared to tour Pakistan. Joke no longer. Masked gunmen have opened fire on the Sri Lankan team bus in Pakistan. The good news is none of the Sri Lankan cricketers were seriously harmed - just a few minor injuries. The bad news is six security guards and two civilians were killed.
It sounds like it's a miracle the damage wasn't worse. The terrorists threw a grenade at the bus but missed. Who knows when a team will tour Pakistan again? A dark day for cricket.
| Posted by JC on Tue 3 Mar |  38 comments |
scorecard
fundamentalist -1
Pakistan people,players,cricket,supporters,world cricket -0
sadly, and for the sake of player security, the people of Pakistan must be denied the world cup.
the government will be deemed remiss in their duty of care to these players that stepped up to fill a vacated schedule.
the lunatic element of this society that is incapable of ANY tolerance to difference will get what they want through these actions... less outside contact.
when wholesale change is made to the mindset of the people within this region, so that no one at any level of society will tolerate these hateful attitudes and actions, acceptance will come from the rest of the global community.
i'm not holding my breath!
stoph verismo
downthewicket
Posted by stoph on 2009-03-03 21:33:48
fundamentalist -1
Pakistan people,players,cricket,supporters,world cricket -0
sadly, and for the sake of player security, the people of Pakistan must be denied the world cup.
the government will be deemed remiss in their duty of care to these players that stepped up to fill a vacated schedule.
the lunatic element of this society that is incapable of ANY tolerance to difference will get what they want through these actions... less outside contact.
when wholesale change is made to the mindset of the people within this region, so that no one at any level of society will tolerate these hateful attitudes and actions, acceptance will come from the rest of the global community.
i'm not holding my breath!
stoph verismo
downthewicket
Posted by stoph on 2009-03-03 21:33:48
The country is hijacked by fundamentalists. Terrible indeed terrible day not only for game of cricket but for life in general.
Posted by Unsuidojo on 2009-03-04 00:24:03
Posted by Unsuidojo on 2009-03-04 00:24:03
When I heard this news, straight away I thought of Andrew Dentons interview of Imran Khan last year. To quote Imran when Andrew asked him about Australia's decision not to tour Pakistan, he said:
"I can understand that but having said that I also know that cricketers would never be under any threat from terrorists. Reason is that the terrorists rely on support from the masses because that’s where they get their recruits and cricket is a game which is so loved and there’s such passion in Pakistan, that the terrorists know that if a cricket match is bombed, they’ve had it. I mean the public will just turn against them."
If you are interested in the full interview you can read the full transcript at: http://www.abc.net.au/tv/enoughrope/transcripts/s2389924.htm
Posted by nigelah on 2009-03-04 08:51:45
"I can understand that but having said that I also know that cricketers would never be under any threat from terrorists. Reason is that the terrorists rely on support from the masses because that’s where they get their recruits and cricket is a game which is so loved and there’s such passion in Pakistan, that the terrorists know that if a cricket match is bombed, they’ve had it. I mean the public will just turn against them."
If you are interested in the full interview you can read the full transcript at: http://www.abc.net.au/tv/enoughrope/transcripts/s2389924.htm
Posted by nigelah on 2009-03-04 08:51:45
first of all I am really sory from our side from srilankan people and the srilankan cricket team. we Pakistani are a very friendly nation and we cant never think doing this thing wid our guests. Being apart of my nation i appologize wht happned yesterday in Lahore. I want to Share that our police men sacrifices their lives to save our guest and 160 million ppl of Pakistan is ready to sacrifice their lives for our guests. I m very proud that our police men are shaheed.
may ALLAH rest their souls in jannat ameen sum ameen. Every Pakistani is very upset for what happned yesterday and believe me they were not pakistani's or muslims. We Pakistani's are are well known of their hospitality. I really Thanx brave srilankan team and i know they all love Pakistan and Pakistani's as we all love Srilankan and Srilanka. By the grace of ALLAH Pakistan and Srilankan friendship will get more stronger after this. With a tears in our eyes we Pakistan appolgizes from srilankans
India want us to be alone in cricket and as well as International relations. Msg for all Indians from Loving and a friendly nation Pakistan is believe me we will sacrifice our lives even Indian team was their in place of srilanka. who ever will be our guest we will love them as a blessing of ALLAH. we Pakistani dont hate indians or India but Indians and India is trying to create propoganda against us. We respect every religion, every country and every single human being on earth.
and atlast i am really thanx full to srilankan team for their visit to Pakistan and i really thanx to the ppl of srilanka who understands us and they know who is behind this all. We love u Srilankan and srilankans. We salute all our policemen, drivers, umpires, srilankan team and officials. Pakistan Zindabad
Posted by tahamasood on 2009-03-04 11:41:26
may ALLAH rest their souls in jannat ameen sum ameen. Every Pakistani is very upset for what happned yesterday and believe me they were not pakistani's or muslims. We Pakistani's are are well known of their hospitality. I really Thanx brave srilankan team and i know they all love Pakistan and Pakistani's as we all love Srilankan and Srilanka. By the grace of ALLAH Pakistan and Srilankan friendship will get more stronger after this. With a tears in our eyes we Pakistan appolgizes from srilankans
India want us to be alone in cricket and as well as International relations. Msg for all Indians from Loving and a friendly nation Pakistan is believe me we will sacrifice our lives even Indian team was their in place of srilanka. who ever will be our guest we will love them as a blessing of ALLAH. we Pakistani dont hate indians or India but Indians and India is trying to create propoganda against us. We respect every religion, every country and every single human being on earth.
and atlast i am really thanx full to srilankan team for their visit to Pakistan and i really thanx to the ppl of srilanka who understands us and they know who is behind this all. We love u Srilankan and srilankans. We salute all our policemen, drivers, umpires, srilankan team and officials. Pakistan Zindabad
Posted by tahamasood on 2009-03-04 11:41:26
Turns out the Pakistan team was tipped off and so left 5 mins after instead of with the convoy.
As with the Bob Woolmer murder, looks like a lot of the Pak team or management were in on this one.
Posted by virtualgaz on 2009-03-05 20:23:22
As with the Bob Woolmer murder, looks like a lot of the Pak team or management were in on this one.
Posted by virtualgaz on 2009-03-05 20:23:22
I cannot agree with virtualgaz more. Theres something fishy about the Pakistani bus not leaving for the stadium along with Sri Lankan bus. Somewhere something was known beforehand.
Posted by sbarb on 2009-03-05 23:34:18
Posted by sbarb on 2009-03-05 23:34:18
Oh please! As if the Pakistan team were in on a terrorist plot to kill the Sri Lankan team. The country hurt most by this incident is Pakistan. Their guards were killed. Their country is pariah for sporting events - not just cricket but probably any international sporting event. This has done immeasurable harm to the country for years to come.
Posted by JC on 2009-03-05 23:41:07
Posted by JC on 2009-03-05 23:41:07
While I disagree with these theories of the Pakistani bus leaving later due to a tipoff, one thing I am annoyed with is PCB boss Ijaz Butt calling the umpires liars.
The friggin video footage shows the bus carrying those people being shot at by those scum. Yet there is no security to be seen.
Ijaz needs to listen to Steve Davis and Simon Taufel's statements when they arrived home.
It took a few minutes before a police officer got to the bus and 'unceremoniously' removed the DEAD driver from the seat to drive them to the stadium.
Posted by offcutter on 2009-03-06 02:12:31
The friggin video footage shows the bus carrying those people being shot at by those scum. Yet there is no security to be seen.
Ijaz needs to listen to Steve Davis and Simon Taufel's statements when they arrived home.
It took a few minutes before a police officer got to the bus and 'unceremoniously' removed the DEAD driver from the seat to drive them to the stadium.
Posted by offcutter on 2009-03-06 02:12:31
There were some vedios release by Geo Tv, Pakistan, taken from the CCTV cams in and around Liberty Chowk, which shows the following:
1) The Terrorists ran into the by lanes. 1 terrorist was on a bike, cooly driving it with his gun with him. He comes to a halt at one point, where he meets 2 more terrorists carrying their gun. They board the bike and the 3 ride away, waving their guns.
2) These terrorists with guns on their back, PASS A POLICE VAN and both were just a few meters away, but the van coolly passes these terrorists without doing anything.
3) Vedio footage also shows the actual scene of Liberty chowk. The terrorists were firing and there was no counter offensive from the police, who had probably gone into hiding. Those dead, (with all due respect to them and may their soul rest in pease)were taken by surprise and were killed upfront in the ambush
Murali in an interview only backs the statements of Broad (match refree), and umpires Steve Davis and Simon Taufel. He says they were only saved because of the bus driver who risking his life drove them to the stadium.
I am an Indian, with no grudges against Pakistan, and unlike Tahamasood also don't have any problems against the people of Pakistan. But yes questions in any sane mind will rise about the following:
1) Why did the Pakistani Players' bus only on that specific day get delayed.
2) Where were the police after the attack
3) Why was there no police presence in Lahore's biggest market (Liberty market) and why were the terrorists strolling in the market as if out on a lesuire walk.
4) WHY DID'NT THE POLICE VAN STOP AND TAKE ACTION AGAINST THE TERRORISTS WHEN THEIR BIKE CROSSED THEM IN A DISTANCE OF FEW METERS. THE TERRORISTS SEEING THE POLICE DID NOT EVEN TRY TO HIDE THEIR WEAPONS. WHY>
Inspite of all this a PAKISTANI MINISTER blames India. Lemme tell you that if Indian's had done this then they would have hid, not gone for a lesiure walk and the police would have stopped them and not let them pass. Clearly the Pakistani Police is involved in this.
Posted by ssukhdial on 2009-03-06 21:09:27
1) The Terrorists ran into the by lanes. 1 terrorist was on a bike, cooly driving it with his gun with him. He comes to a halt at one point, where he meets 2 more terrorists carrying their gun. They board the bike and the 3 ride away, waving their guns.
2) These terrorists with guns on their back, PASS A POLICE VAN and both were just a few meters away, but the van coolly passes these terrorists without doing anything.
3) Vedio footage also shows the actual scene of Liberty chowk. The terrorists were firing and there was no counter offensive from the police, who had probably gone into hiding. Those dead, (with all due respect to them and may their soul rest in pease)were taken by surprise and were killed upfront in the ambush
Murali in an interview only backs the statements of Broad (match refree), and umpires Steve Davis and Simon Taufel. He says they were only saved because of the bus driver who risking his life drove them to the stadium.
I am an Indian, with no grudges against Pakistan, and unlike Tahamasood also don't have any problems against the people of Pakistan. But yes questions in any sane mind will rise about the following:
1) Why did the Pakistani Players' bus only on that specific day get delayed.
2) Where were the police after the attack
3) Why was there no police presence in Lahore's biggest market (Liberty market) and why were the terrorists strolling in the market as if out on a lesuire walk.
4) WHY DID'NT THE POLICE VAN STOP AND TAKE ACTION AGAINST THE TERRORISTS WHEN THEIR BIKE CROSSED THEM IN A DISTANCE OF FEW METERS. THE TERRORISTS SEEING THE POLICE DID NOT EVEN TRY TO HIDE THEIR WEAPONS. WHY>
Inspite of all this a PAKISTANI MINISTER blames India. Lemme tell you that if Indian's had done this then they would have hid, not gone for a lesiure walk and the police would have stopped them and not let them pass. Clearly the Pakistani Police is involved in this.
Posted by ssukhdial on 2009-03-06 21:09:27
This is NOT an India/Pakistan thing and you really need to shut up about it and stop lying about your 'grudges'.
The real issue is the stalwart defense by Pakistani officials and now former players (Miandad) about the level of security.
The calls for Broad to be banned for life by Javed Miandad and the PCB are a joke.
It has been quoted that many Pakistani politicans have rejected Ijaz Butt's statements and are backing Chris Broad and the other umpires statements.
Do not make this a country v country issue. That kind of bullshit leads to shit like this.
This is a WORLD cricket issue that needs to be mandated by the ICC and quickly.
I want to see Pakistan continue to be involved in world cricket as they have produced some of the best players we have ever seen.
But garbage like these conspiracy theories and international scrutiny really pisses me off.
p.s JC I apologise for swearing but some of these comments are annoying me.
Posted by offcutter on 2009-03-07 03:08:48
The real issue is the stalwart defense by Pakistani officials and now former players (Miandad) about the level of security.
The calls for Broad to be banned for life by Javed Miandad and the PCB are a joke.
It has been quoted that many Pakistani politicans have rejected Ijaz Butt's statements and are backing Chris Broad and the other umpires statements.
Do not make this a country v country issue. That kind of bullshit leads to shit like this.
This is a WORLD cricket issue that needs to be mandated by the ICC and quickly.
I want to see Pakistan continue to be involved in world cricket as they have produced some of the best players we have ever seen.
But garbage like these conspiracy theories and international scrutiny really pisses me off.
p.s JC I apologise for swearing but some of these comments are annoying me.
Posted by offcutter on 2009-03-07 03:08:48
I think offcutter, you need to understand what has been written, and if you can't then just shut up. Your kind of oversmart, 'I am intellectual' kind of ppl sitting 5000 miles from India & Pakistan think that we r trying to kill each other. Do u even realize what the situation is here. When u have a neighbour whose lands are being taken over by trigger happy terrorist and u r one of their main targets, then u would realize what I mean. I don't have anything against any country, nor am I blaming them, but it is quite possible that there could be a large chunk of ppl holding high position involved in this without the consent of its govt.
Anyways, what I have quoted is evident from the vedio footage. I still maintain that I have nothing against Pakistan their ppl and their religion. So try and keep your oversmart shut and try and use your seldom used mind.
Posted by ssukhdial on 2009-03-07 17:39:40
Anyways, what I have quoted is evident from the vedio footage. I still maintain that I have nothing against Pakistan their ppl and their religion. So try and keep your oversmart shut and try and use your seldom used mind.
Posted by ssukhdial on 2009-03-07 17:39:40
You assuming I am some 'intellectual' are far from the mark. I never meant to start a flame war, but all your post did was indicate this had nothing to do with the Pakistani security and was a country v country issue.
I am well aware of the India/Pakistan situation at the moment as I have friends in both countries.
My post was a direct shot at Pakistani security and the need for actual protection.
My countrymen were in the firing line and I am pissed off. Sorry if this makes you angry.
I dont feel I need to apologise for my remarks.
Posted by offcutter on 2009-03-09 02:19:46
I am well aware of the India/Pakistan situation at the moment as I have friends in both countries.
My post was a direct shot at Pakistani security and the need for actual protection.
My countrymen were in the firing line and I am pissed off. Sorry if this makes you angry.
I dont feel I need to apologise for my remarks.
Posted by offcutter on 2009-03-09 02:19:46
Article on rediff
Is cricket anti-Islam? For terrorists, it is.
Citing a Lashkar-e-Tayiba [Images] magazine, Zarb-e-Toiba, Intelligence Bureau officials say terrorists list many reasons to target cricket.
Cricket, the LeT says, is basically a Western game. So, the LeT says there was no need for Pakistan, in particular, to follow it like a religion.
That is primarily why, IB officials say, the Sri Lankan cricket team is attacked in Lahore.
The magazine reportedly says "cricket bat was given to Pakistanis in exchange for swords".
The intention of the British, it says, was to ensure that Muslims lay down their arms so that they can't fight. Another question which LeT asks is why should people in Pakistan fight over a game of cricket.
"People commit suicide when Pakistan loses a cricket match, but none seem to be bothered when Lashkar jihadis lose their lives in Kashmir. Besides, they also point out that people take a day off to watch cricket matches. However, when it comes to jihad no one seems to have the time. Seeking a ban on cricket in Pakistan, the LeT sees cricket an intoxicant for Pakistanis who forget the path of jihad.
IB sleuths, however, add that all those "theories are more for public consumption".
"These are very politically directed statements which sound good for the consumption of people in Pakistan. Terrorists basically have no other agenda, other than cause mayhem. Terror groups target cricket only to gain attention."
Posted by ssukhdial on 2009-03-13 22:45:30
Is cricket anti-Islam? For terrorists, it is.
Citing a Lashkar-e-Tayiba [Images] magazine, Zarb-e-Toiba, Intelligence Bureau officials say terrorists list many reasons to target cricket.
Cricket, the LeT says, is basically a Western game. So, the LeT says there was no need for Pakistan, in particular, to follow it like a religion.
That is primarily why, IB officials say, the Sri Lankan cricket team is attacked in Lahore.
The magazine reportedly says "cricket bat was given to Pakistanis in exchange for swords".
The intention of the British, it says, was to ensure that Muslims lay down their arms so that they can't fight. Another question which LeT asks is why should people in Pakistan fight over a game of cricket.
"People commit suicide when Pakistan loses a cricket match, but none seem to be bothered when Lashkar jihadis lose their lives in Kashmir. Besides, they also point out that people take a day off to watch cricket matches. However, when it comes to jihad no one seems to have the time. Seeking a ban on cricket in Pakistan, the LeT sees cricket an intoxicant for Pakistanis who forget the path of jihad.
IB sleuths, however, add that all those "theories are more for public consumption".
"These are very politically directed statements which sound good for the consumption of people in Pakistan. Terrorists basically have no other agenda, other than cause mayhem. Terror groups target cricket only to gain attention."
Posted by ssukhdial on 2009-03-13 22:45:30
URL http://news.rediff.com/report/2009/mar/13/why-do-terrorists-target-cricket.htm
Posted by ssukhdial on 2009-03-13 22:46:29
Posted by ssukhdial on 2009-03-13 22:46:29
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