OTD| Masked terrorists attacked team bus carrying Sri Lankan cricketers to Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore in 2009

In this article, we will discuss the On This Day | Masked terrorists attacked a team bus carrying Sri Lankan cricketers to Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore in 2009. Today marks one of the most tragic days in the long history of Cricket. On this day in 2009, the Sri Lankan cricket team was targeted by masked terrorists. Sri Lanka had arrived in Pakistan to play ODI and Test series. The ODI series was won by the visitors and then came the turn of the much-awaited Test series. The first match of the series in Karachi ended in a draw. The second Test in Lahore became a must-win encounter for both teams. 

The first couple of days of the Test were dominated by Sri Lanka as they scored 606 runs batting first. Pakistan started their counter in the same fashion and by the stumps on day 2 the home team had 110 runs on the board at the loss of one wicket. Well, the match was heading into a thrilling phase but unfortunately, fans could not experience the action unfolding after the first couple of days. 

Cricket attacked 

The Sri Lankan team was approaching the stadium on the morning of the third day of the Lahore Test when their bus was attacked by masked terrorists. In that shootout, several Sri Lankan players got injured. The Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene, and vice-captain Kumar Sangakkara suffered injuries along with teammates Tharanga Paravitarana, Thilan Samaraweera, and Ajantha Mendis.  This attack took the lives of six security personnel and two civilians as well. 

Without a doubt, this was the darkest and most horrific day for Cricket and cricket fans across the globe. It was not just an attack on the Sri Lankan team but the whole Cricket fraternity came under attack on that day. As a result of this tragedy, Pakistan was banned from hosting international cricket in the country for a long time. It was a great loss for cricketers and cricket fans in Pakistan. Those who love this game would want to forget this tragedy as it endangered the existence of some cricketers.