UK condemns cricket attack
Tuesday, 3 March 2009 4:45 PM
By politics.co.uk staff
Culture secretary Andy Burnham has described the terrorist attack against Sri Lankan cricketers as "shocking and senseless", saying it 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," he said.
"Our thoughts are with the Sri Lankan cricketers and with the families of the Pakistani police officers who died protecting them."
The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed it will review Pakistan's role as co-host of the 2011 World Cup following today's deadly attack upon the Sri Lankan team in Lahore.
Meanwhile, the English Cricket Board (ECB) released a statement saying: "The ECB is shocked and saddened by the senseless attack on the Sri Lankan 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."
Shadow foreign secretary William Hague expressed outrage at the attack, saying: "We are shocked by the brutal attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Pakistan.
"This is a cowardly attack designed to create fear and isolate and destabilise Pakistan."
About a dozen gunmen opened fire on the team's bus as it arrived at the Gaddafi Stadium, injuring six team members and killing five policemen assigned to protect them.
The attack has left Pakistan's future as an international cricket venue in jeopardy, with its position as co-host of the World Cup in two years almost certain to be scrapped.
Sri Lanka had only agreed to tour Pakistan after India pulled out amid security concerns and the aftermath of the Mumbai terrorist attacks.
The ICC told inthenews.co.uk the issue would be "at the top of the agenda" when the governing body's board next me in Dubai.
Pakistan is due to host 14 World Cup games, with the rest spread across India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
Former Pakistani skipper Waqar Younis told the Reuters news agency that Pakistan's chance of hosting games was "gone".
"I don't see the International Cricket Council (ICC) allowing World Cup matches to be held in Pakistan now," he said.
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