Shocking and ghastly! Time to smell the coffee folks. Nobody is visiting Pakistan for 10 years at least; and doubt if they'll play more than 10 matches in the next 10 years even outside....

Too bad, we'll miss seeing some prodigious talent..

Deep sympathies to all the players & the people who had to suffer the attack. Will the officials finally wake up & ban cricket in pakistan?

Yes, I agree. I think the level of security accorded to the Sri Lankan team has to be questioned. There should have been highly trained commandos with the bus not policemen. Also was the route sanitised? Was it the same route everyday? These are basic questions that seem to have been ignored.

A very sad thing to happen. Pakistani security men who gave their lives should not be forgotten. It may look like the end. But it is not. Cricket should move ahead. Pakistani team should carrying on playing. Neutral venues first but slowly and surely bring cricket back home. 5 years, 10 years never mind. Never say that this is the end.

shocking and very sad. Tears are shedding from my eyes and must be shedding from the eyes of every cricket lover in pakistan. I salute you srilankan cricketers

The beginning of end happened on the day the government failed to protect the first citizen to be killed by terrorists...this is continuation of that. Whether you choose to see it now or before...it doesn't change the truth.

Being a cricket fan and a Pakistan, I want to say Sorry to the nation of SRILANKA, and the brave policeman who gave their lives to save these players. I want to see cricket come back to Pakistan but not until the nations are 1000% comfortable coming to Pakistan. Pakistan should not force any country to come here.

Agree with your comments.It only isolates Pakistan going forward from the sporting world.How long will it be before any sporting team tours there again??

it is a darkest day for cricket and pakistan

Coward Act!

I think this should be the end of International Cricket to be played in Pakistan for next 10 years

Life has more purpose than meaningless pursuits like cricket where a group of men chase leather while another couple try to send it River Nile.My prayers for those who have given their lives in serving the duty.And ofcourse to the players and their families and all those who have been affected by this incident.It is time we got serious with our Country and stand up for it and try to be united.Let us forget all about hatred and disputes.Things will fall in place, cricket too.The game should have no immediate place in the near future in Pakistan
Peace!

Our sympathies go out to families of the dead policemen. This is however possibly the end of cricket being played in Pakistan for the forseeable future. To an outsider, the political situation in Pakistan does not seem to be getting better and unless it does, no team will venture to tour Pakistan.

Well said. This is the end of cricket in Pakistan. Who is to blame? Probably the Pak people? The government? I do not know. No team should visit Pakistan. This much is clear. I feel for Pak cricket team.

A very sad event, no one in their right mind would tour Pakistan now. The PCB has no choice now, if Pakistan wants to play cricket, sadly it will not be at home for a long long time

Hi,

Thinking that only the tours next year will be affected seems extremely optimistic on your behalf. This was the one motto that were being said by every cricket from Imran Khan to Javed Miandad that "No cricketer has been harmed in Pakistan even during turbulent times". This is truly the end of cricket in Pakistan for atleast the next eight years. Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe were the only teams willing to tour Pakistan and after today, it can be easily said that even Zimbabwe wont be persuaded to tour Pakistan from now on. Dubai and Abu Dhabhi will the new Karachi and Lahore from March 3rd 2009 and are bound to stay that way for a long time to come. I just want to thank Sri Lankan team that they always tour Pakistan even in hard times and we are truly sorry that such a thing happened to sportsmen.

Agha Zain

Yes, this is the end. It's not the end of pakistani cricket only, it's the end of Pakistan. Unless pakistan can't handle their own inside matters on their own, no outside country should come into this country as they are bound to get attacked. I'm dissapointed.

Imran Khan will now have to eat his own words. He had said that no cricket team should fear a tour to Pakistan due to security concerns. In his own words, "the terrorists will never attack sportsmen". How wrong this prophecy has proven to be. No cricket team will now visit Pakistan, nor they should, until it is abundantly clear that terrroism and terrorists have been wiped out of the country. At the moment both of these are very much present and no better example of that than what occured today.

Yes completely agree with ur point of view..This is the darkest moment in cricket history and i beleive there shouldnt be any international cricket in pakistan for next 20 yrs. Atleast the security of pakistan has failed to serve and protect.. M feeling very sorry for all who were affected in this attack.

I love pakistani cricket team and all but this attack means everything is finished like kamran said. this is the end of everything as far as hosting game in pakistan.

I would like to pay my final respect to Pakistani cricket.

I guess the terrorist will do whatever it takes to isolate Pakistan from rest of the world. Its a sad day for Pakistan. Its s a sad day for pakistan and world cricket.

A very dark day has been witnessed in the cricketing channels today, horrifying act of violence targeting cricketers, shame
My heart felt wishes for the Sri Lankan Cricket Team and condolences to the families of the cops who lost their lives.

One last word, was the criket fraternity in Pakistan waiting fot this to happen to confirm if the country was in a position to stage international matches, was this not in the coming?

Regret if authorities can't take care of visitors to countries... how can anyone think of hurting sports people??

This is indeed the end of cricket in Pakistan. Sad but true. I fail to understand the logic behind the thought that terrorists would not target sportspersons. Why wouldn't they?? When they can kill innocent men, women and children, they are capable of stooping to any dastardly level. Pakistan can forget hosting the Champion trophy or the world cup. One can only hope the 'Democratic' government of Pakistan will wake up.

I condemn this barbaric attack on Srilankan cricketers who have nothing to do with the politics or situation in Pakistan. At the same time I ask the Government of Pakistan to take the responsibility of this attack. All the government resources in Lahore were focussed to restrain political opponents and the Srilankan team did not get fool proof security.

I can tell you are greatly disappointed Kamran. I am too. I am very disappointed and angry at our government, politicians, and whoever else was in charge of this tour. They laxed their secuirty. A bunch of goons running around were able to cause such havoc. Do we not train our secuirty anymore? The people in charge, PCB, let all cricket loving people down with their false promises of secuirty. They laxed when all eyes were upon them.
This truly is the end and was bound to occur. The terrorists were waiting for our corrupt people in power to be off guard and strike. And that they did.

You are right, this is indeed the darkest day in our sports history and it shows how much we have been penetrated and are venerable. My prayers are with the Sri Lankan team and their families and hats off those Policemen who gave their lives otherwise God forbid things could have been real bad. Well I don’t want to think after this event what will happen to sports in our country and frankly playing for one year at a neutral venue is a very optimistic estimate.

Prays for everyone’s safety in Pakistan.

I feel very sorry for all the good people of pakistan as Kamran Abbasi has pointed out this is the end of Cricket for Pakistan ( atleast for a long time to come)

This should rank as one of the darkest days of Cricket. Cricket always united People amidst the chaos of faiths, religion, Caste, Status, Economic Disparity etc.. Todays attack is a attempt to break that faith. My Condolences to all those who have lost lives, My salutations to Srilankan Cricketers who braved this and My Symapthies to PCB who were already inflicted with So many Problems. We should forget all our differences and Stand United to fight these rogues... Sad Day....

I can tell you are greatly disappointed Kamran. I am too. I am very disappointed and angry at our government, politicians, and whoever else was in charge of this tour. They laxed their secuirty. A bunch of goons running around were able to cause such havoc. Do we not train our secuirty anymore? The people in charge, PCB, let all cricket loving people down with their false promises of secuirty. They laxed when all eyes were upon them.
This truly is the end and was bound to occur. The terrorists were waiting for our corrupt people in power to be off guard and strike. And that they did.

I am actually in tears at this moment. Not only these people but all of them need to be found and should be spared no mercy. Allah please help our country. Poor Sri Lankan Cricketers! Everybody is worried about cricket. The focus should now be on all our daily lives and the risk our people are carrying everyday. These people are a disgrace to our country and to the religion of Islam. It is time these people are found and brought to justice. So much of Mr. Imaran Khan's statement that they will never target sportsmen. So Mr. Khan now what? Do you think you can get public together and fight these idiots? GAAAAAA!

All because of our good politicians who are still not able to control the terrorism. Proper justice,proper law, proper regulations etc. are the weak point for pakistan and if these things are not implemented, the scenario would even be worst. Not even sport, a day will come when pakistan would be pinned with terrorism in every aspects of life.

Im an Indian, I feel sorry for both srilankans and pakistanis. Terrorists will win if other countries boycott pakistan cricket. We should move ahead with the game and life. If we let this happen in pakistan now, tomorrow it can happen anywhere else in the world. People of pakistan should stepup and force their govt be strong against terrorists. No peace treaty with terrorists guys like they did with talibans, it shows your weakness to them.

indeed this was an extremely regrettable incident.what i hoped would turn out to be a good day of cricket instead transpired into a day of despair and tragedy.now no country would ever want to tour pakistan and cricket in the country will coontinue plunging into the darkest depths.

This is quite sad and disturbing. one of my SL collegue just asked me that what have you done to our players, and i was speechless.
As pakistani we apologies to SL fans for such incident. They were the only realistic supporters, and we have let them down big time.

But having said that i still cannot belive that circketers were targeted, i am still confused about the agenda behind all this.

When we said VVIP securities were provided to Late Benazir Bhutto shaheed, they werent enough either to save her life. I was a staunch supporter myself,kamran, for continuation of international cricket in pakistan, but madam Benazir's shahadat started to make me think otherwise. The Liberty market area was left,if not unattended, but less monitored.and our securities are to be blamed for that, no matter what. and you are right, its not doubt, a very very sad day for us cricket lovers, and for us pakistanis as a nation. May allah protect us all and our people.ameen.

The most tragic day in the history of Pakistan sport. I respect the Sri Lankan cricket team for having the courage to tour our lands, and it is heartbreaking that this is how their faith was repaid. Thank God they are all relatively unharmed, same cannot be said of the Pakistani security, who sacrificed their lives to save our guests.

This is yet another cowardly act committed by terrorists. Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased & all members of the Sri Lankan team.
It is an extremely sad day.
I feel this must be the end of International cricket in Pakistan.

no cricket with pakistan anywhere. IT IS TIME TO "REARRANGE" PAKISTAN.

This sort of lip-service won't serve any purpose where 'jungle raj' prevails. Just cap your pen and make a human chain of the like-minded, seriously and vociferously protesting on the streets of Lahore against such dastardly act on the players who have come despite all odds to bail out the cashstrapped PCB and the attack is akin to putting a dagger in their back.

It's indeed a sad day for cricket, more importantly for humanity. People who think they can solve issues with a gun should not be allowed to breath the same air as others who value peace & harmony. Terrorism is a cancer. It has never solved anyone's problems. Sooner we understand it, stand against it & support others like SL forces who are about to wipe terrorism out of their country, better it is for the free world. No matter how we look at it, the timing of the incident can only suggest some connection to the SL situation. It's a proven fact that LTTE have connections with Al Quaida & Taliban. It doesn't take much to figure out who's behind it. I feel for the Pakistani people who will have to face the world for this. But they should stand up & fight terrorism. International media should also take responsibility for sensationalizing terrorism, crying for access to front line battles to interview terrorists, not for the truth but for their ratings!

Deepest sympathies to everyone effected. The BIG question is what happened to the security assured by the PCB before this tour commenced. Was it complacency??? Every team will now have second thaughts before touring pakistan, even if secureness is assured a 1000%!

PCB should be rolled back as an entity and some of the funds should be given to poor folks' families who lost their lives for this farce. This is also death of sports, not only cricket, in Pakistan. PCB can afford neutral venues and foreign trips, but other sport boards cannot afford these luxuries and depended on other teams coming over here. A sad day indeed

Pakistan will not be able to play more matchesThis the darkest day in the history of Pakistan cricket and it occurred in a pleasant suburb of Lahore, a once great city of gardens and tranquility, not far from my own family home in Pakistan.

Life is more precious than playing cricket. So in future teams should think more than twice to come to Pakistan.Pakistan supported terrorist acts and its paying the price. God save Pakistan and Pakistan Cricket.

I feel really sorry for the common Pakistani citizen.This is an insult to a entire nation.Mr.Abbasi, you rightly pointed out that this is the end for the game in pakistan.But an end to something more is clearly visible for everyone.The boomrang has comeback very badly for Pakistan and believe me,its gonna hurt.

I Think New Zealand's Tour Will not go ahead now I think player safety is paramount and I do not think NZC will take the risk
this is a sad day for pakistan and for cricket in general

As a Pakistani my apology to all cricket fans world wide.

I am so deeply ashamed that i can not even find words to describe my sorrow and grief for SL players and their families. It will be impossible for them to ever forget about what happened today.

To all cricket fans, i hope you can look at Pak cricket for team that provided you with memories, the same ones that Viv, richi, Brian Lara, Malcolm Marshall, Ambrose provided me for WI, Sachin, Azhar, Dravid and Anil provided me for India, Martin Crowe and Chris Cairns provided me for NZ, Gooch, Michael Atherton, Gough provided me for Eng, Donald, Jonty, Kallis provided me for SA, Chappell Brothers, Lillee, Mcdermot, Mark Waugh, Warne, Mcgrath provided me of AUS and the memories that D-Silva, Sanath, Mahanama and Murli provided me for SL.

My Heart prays that you do think of Pak the same way i think of other cricketing nations, but i do have a more than shadow of doubt. And Today i wouldnt blame anyone for that.
_____

I feel sorry for the law abiding citizens of Pakistan who really dont care for this terror nonsense. They just want to lead a normal life. What can they do against these 'non-state actors'?

I hope at least now, Pakistani civic society wakesup and takes steps to root out the evil of Wahabi Jihadi ideology.The whole world will support Pakistan in this war against terror.

It is a sad day for cricket. This was bound to happen, at some time. Pakistan is, and will continue to be a nation where all rogue elements have sought sanctuary, with active support from powers that be; it was therefore naive to think, as Kamran had earlier suggested, that cricketers would never be targeted. How can one speak on behalf of lunatic elements?

The only desirable outcome is that now there will be no self righteous chest thumping by Pakistanis about how the rest of the world is racist and jaundiced. Pakistan should now be ostracised on all fronts, including cricket. It is a real threat to society, and someone needs to tackle this headon. The establishment clearly appears in no position, as it is more interested in making peace with these barbaric animals

Being a Sri Lankan and a cricket lover, I think its pretty sad that better security wasn't given to the Sri Lankan players who agreed to tour when all other nations refused. This is no doubt going to have severe repercussions on cricket in Pakistan and I doubt any team wanting to play in Pakistan until these issues are resolved. I think everyone's glad that no cricketers were killed but we do spare a thought for the policemen that were. Its a sad state of affairs.

Today terrorists not only killed innocent policemen, civilians and injured Sri Lankan cricketers but they killed cricket in Pakistan.

No team would go to Pakistan to play cricket anymore.

Darkest day indeed. Now forget any team visiting Pakistan for at least 5 years. PCB headquarters should be moved to Dubai or Abu dhabi as Pakistan is most likely to play their home matches there for next 5 years.

BTW my condolences to policemen families who lost their lives while securing Srilankans. They should be honored by world cricket but what i am seeing is bitching going around against Pakistan especially by BCCI.

God bless Pakistan cricket!

I must be wrong but ever since I heard the news this morning I wanted to say this, the minister should take all responsibility for sending the team in the first place when no one else wanted to travel to Pakistan. In my mind, money of all else took the upper hand and minister couldn’t resist but to send the team. I am sure all other governments said no because of a reason, even if our government doesn’t do their own security study, why not consider other studies already done in the country regarding the security. Even ICC said no to champions Trophy. Pakistan should be supported in cricket and all other measures, but not with our own citizens life’s on line, for heaven’s sake, those cricketers are human and all these cricketers have families and hope they will be treated better hereafter then just contracted slaves. As i am sad to see pakistan cricket suffer, as a Sri Lankan all my thoughts are with cricketers and their families.

I am sure I am speaking on behalf of all Pakistanis that we share the sorrow and grief of every Srilankan and Cricket Lover. As some people are suggestion at various forums that Pakistani Team should be banned I must emphasise that is indeed not the solution, but yes I have to admit now that the foreign teams should not visit Pakistan in the near future because I know as a nation we are not ready to be in the news for bad reasons. My tribute goes out to all the Policemen who sacrificed their lives to save the lives of their guests and that is what a true Pakistani is ... not a terrorist but one who sacrifices his life for others..

As you rightly said, brave SL didn't deserve this. They are the only country that stood up for PCB and this is what they get. Thank god there was no casualty. I hope this attack reminds Pakistan government that terrorism is harmful to Pakistan too.

For such a brazen attack to occur in a seemingly safe area of Lahore shows how ridden Pakistan is by terrorists. Hope the country rises and overcomes this monumental challenge of rampant terrorism for the sake of all things decent and civilized.

I deeply feel saddened at what happened today.I have great amount of respect for the families of the brave policemen who died facing such a cowardly act and extend my feelings of sorrow and pain for them and to the Sri Lankan Team, their families and the whole Sri Lankan Nation.Thank you Sir Lanka and sorry we could not live up to your expectations. Having said that, the perpetrators of this horrendous crime should be punished in the strictest way possible.Whoever did it doesn't want Pakistan and its cricket to flourish, they cannot be Pakistanis.The Punjab Government should be held responsible for it as they failed to provide the team with ample security, everybody from the Governor to the bottom security authorities should be questioned and tried if required, that's ridiculous.
May the souls of the dead rest in peace, AAMEEN.

It is totally embrassing and shameful. We should be thankful to Sri Lankans who took riks to visit Pakistan. This takes big courage to visit Pakistan. Now there will be more apprehensions to visit Pakistan. Even no Pakistani is feeling safe in thier country. So how can we then persuade foriegners to visit Pakistan. As they are already terrified. It is our Government and Zardari to blame. ALso army gets blame too. Is this how we repay our thanks to Sri Lankans. Now Pakistan is bound to be isolated for good.

Now Pakistan will have to play cricket at neutral venue.

In Pakistan, when politicians drive on the roads, the roads are cleared. Why was this not afforded to the Sri Lankans especially since they had received a threat? Extremely careless planning and it is a shame because brave policeman gave their lives and because no one will come to Pakistan for the next 5 to 10 years. The World cup will likely be moved or UAE and Dubai will host Pakistan's matches. Pakistan cricket is the big loser in all of this and it is a shame because it looked like Younis Khan was crafting a fine young team. I sympathize with the people of Pakistan today.

Sorry for all cricketers & cricket lovers, after this incidents what is next for Pakistan Cricket and who takes responsibility (for Security) now, PCB OR Pakistan Government. This question for prompt/honest reply (answer) Nraj

The real shame is that the peace loving majority of Pakistan will be affected by the mindless actions of these terrorists. The father who wants to take his children to the cricket, the mother who wants to her son to grow up to be the next Inzaman all will lose that chance.

I hope this is not the end of Pakistan's involvement in international cricket, but I can't see who would want to risk their lives for what is after all only a game.

This is the final nail in the coffin for Pakistan cricket. We're dead and buried now :(

It hurts to see a game which has been my passion and love since I was born, go down like this. My heart weeps. I, on behalf of my countrymen, am extremely sorry to the SRILANKAN team. You guys were the only ones who agreed to tour us, you guys did not deserve this. It was uncalled for.
I for the first time in my life have lost all hope.

We are really very very sorry Sri Lankan team and Nation. You can't believe that how much we are sad this time, we are very confused this time and very disappoint from Pakistani Security.

Although i am Pakistani but i am not happy with the security, where is fool proof security, i think there was not much security, Pakistan Govt did not secure Sri Lankan team and Pakistan Govt did not respect this team. But believe me that we are with you Sri Lankan Team and Nation

Brave Sri Lanka did not deserve this insult, and all sympathies are with their players and the officials who have been injured. Questions will inevitably be asked about the security arrangements, despite the regrettable deaths of several policemen. How could such a high profile tour have been allowed to have been ruined in this way? What do Pakistani security guarantees count for?

Bad really bad. Not only for cricket but for the country too. Really unfortunate that this has happened and the cricketrs are injured specially from a country who has been supportive through out to Pakistan and Pakistan cricket, has good relations and is a partner in many ways. This seems to be the death bell for any sport in Pakistan. The Governement should put its foot down and elimate all extrmist elements. I think the only solution to this continued terror is the Mustafa Kamal Attaturk's line of action, if Pakistan is to survive.

Brave Sri Lanka did not deserve this insult, and all sympathies are with their players and the officials who have been injured. Questions will inevitably be asked about the security arrangements, despite the regrettable deaths of several policemen. How could such a high profile tour have been allowed to have been ruined in this way? What do Pakistani security guarantees count for?

My condolences to the slain police men's families. Very difficult for them to come to grip with reality. I hope the goverment gives something , that is the very least they can do

All cricket world has come in a shock after this incident. Pakistan cricket will be facing all harm due to deeds of these animals. And a great cricketing team will have to lose on all grounds due to this. May God heal the physical, mental and heart wounds of all quickly and cricket should not die. Pakistan team should not be banned to play outside their country even if Pakistan does not get any cricket at their soil.

This incident marks end of long debate if teams would travel to pakistan or not. Indian team would have been targetted but thanks to the gvt for not allowing them to tour. I remember Mr. Imran Khan voicing that terrorist would not target crickters in reaction to Indian gvt's decision. I feel very much for the family of those police men who have lost their life.

In response to Cricket Enthusiast. They can think about hurting sports people, because sadly they will do anything and hurt however they think will help further there cause and create the most fear and shock.
I hope that Sri Lnakan players recover well and it will not affect them to much, and pakistan and the world should not allow them to win, even if it means finding a new home to play from whilst these problems persist. Beacuse although no country will go to play there now, they should not allow these terrorists to win and stop pakistan from playing. maybe shrajah or England could step in to help out.

For eons former pakistani cricketers and officials have been asserting that cricket will never be targeted by terrorists. These certainly were unfounded assertions without any logical rationale since you would not term such virulent group of people "terrorists" if they possessed discrimination.
It is just a game, lives cannot be lost over it.

I am the one who defended the Cricket Stage in Pakistan. I am the one who loved the see the other teams to play in Pakistan.

Today, I haven't words to say anything. Now, I am saying that PCB should arrange neutral venues for future programs. It's Good Bye to not only Cricket BUT Sports from Pakistan.

When the Australians refused to tour Pakistan although they toured India, the were labeled as being money hungry and muslim haters. My god, their security was absolutely correct about not letting their team to tour Pakintan.

The saddest day in our Cricket's history. Being a Pakisani die-hard cricket fan, I apologize to Sri Lanka for what happened. Does it look like that the terrorists have achieved their purpose of isolating Pakistan from the rest of world? We must pay high tributes to the policemen who laid their lives for Sri Lankan team. I wonder where did the terrorists come from and run away unscythed after wreaking havoc with innocent lives?

God bless Pakistan - Willingness to change and make workable changes can change this situation for Pakistan. I hope it happens in the next few years. Cricket comes next. Life's first any day!

Guys, my condolence to the security personeel families and for the people of Pakistan. My friends, who visited Pakistan, told me that probably the kind of reception they get in Pakistan is something they can cherish those moments. I am very sad for pakistanis, being Indian I hate pakistan govt. but their people are like everybody. They know love and affection too. And its our duty to extend the hand of friendship in their troubled time. Very sad for cricket enthusiasts. We indian cheered for Pakistan team when they won thinking as some Asian team should win the cup. May God bless

Its just a matter of inevitability that cricket has been a victim of terrorism in Pakistan today. Terrorism is there in every nook and corner of Pakistan and the nation is reeling underneath it. The so-called government is a pawn in their hands and hopelessly powerless. The worst part and most ludicrous of it all is when the government tries to take a strong stance against these terrorists and express their fake intent to handle terror in the country. Its just another ploy to suck funds from the affluent nations and then pass them over to the same terrorists.
Its high time the international community took a decision and exercise its power to curb terrorism on Pak soil. Allowing Pakistan to be a safe haven for these elements to launch attacks is so painful to watch each passing day. The international community should act fast before we endure further damage. The only action required now is to have the UN send forces to Pakistan and just comb-search and destroy any terrorist there is.

This is deeply disturbing. I would be very cautious.

Remember Nov 26? Attacks are just getting brazen all over, that's all.

Decades of "kill the infidels" is just bouncing back, and it will affect all of us. What is worse, nothing is different in Pakistan even today, so this problem is here to stay.

This effects cricket not only in Pakistan, but the entire sub continent. Whats the guarentee that this cannot happen in IPL in India? After all Mumbai 26/11 happened too. It is definitely the end of international cricket in Pakistan, which essentially implies end of Pakistan cricket.

Sad day for the world cricket.i regret to agree with foreign opinions that security is the issue in Pakistan.
Get well soon Lankan Tigers!

We are our own enemy in all respect and it is time that we start thinking and resolving the issues facing not only sports but Pakistan. If we prepare a plan which will include finding the root cause and then putting preventive measures in line with our Islamic principles, I am sure we will resolve these issues.
When it comes about security we hear the word fool proof. It seems that they do not know that nothing is fool proof but it does not mean that we do not do any thing. when we have internal problems at that our outside enemies also become active to sabotage fool proof arrangements.
We also pray to Allah (SWT) to keep our country on the right path and give us leadership which take us through. Ameen.

Pakistan should stop playing cricket. You can't keep playing in neutral venues. It can work as a temporary solution but not permanently. So I think there is any point in continuing with the national cricket team. Instead there should only be domestic cricket and the top domestic players should try to enter the IPL or the ICL and county cricket.

After this attack on srilankan cricket team, No country in the world will like to play any sport with Pakistan.

As people have been saying on the forum, what not so intimately related to cricket, but a manifestation of an unstable political scenario.

Its sad that Pakistan would be deprived of its national sport for some time to come. This could have been anywhere else, but its time that Pakistan's masses admit that there is a very real problem on hands. I hope Pakistan's intelligentia finally sees sense without a bias, and not equate the situation with India, or any other places, like has been the norm.

Of course, the issue itself raises questions about the security provided, especially in a series at home after such a long time. It seems inconceivable that this couldnt have been averted with a better estimate of the risk, and a more diligent and comprehensive security plan.

I wonder whether the one bright spot to come out of this tragedy might be that the Pakistani government finally decides to take steps to eradicate the terrorists living in the tribal areas, and let some normality return to life in Pakistan.

I am full of tears. A thing which all Pakistani cricket fans fear the most just happens. Just pray and hope every Srilankans crickets got away safely from the incident. The culprits should be caught and punished. It is sadest day in the whole cricket history for sure.

Imran Khan once said "Terrorists will never attack sportsmen as they will lose public favour" the statement seems sensible enough but is suicide attacks sensible? is terrorism sensible? Nope i hope pakistani cricketers can still play cricket outside their country but i hope they dont get included in the World cup squad as a punishment

Its not just a sad day for Pakistan cricket or even world cricket but a sad day for pakistan as a nation - this clearly is the end of the line! Its easy to blame the terrorists for this attack but the government of pakistan has to bear the responsibility of this hineous attack. They have been directly responsible for funding and supporting global terrorist groups wrecking terror around the world - you just had to watch them on tv smirking and grinning with denials as the world watched the mumbai terror attacks. The people of pakistan should stand and unite and rid their nation of their politicians and may be the nation can have some hope of being recognised as a repsonsible loving nation - at the moment it nothing short of being defined as a "terrorist state" - world cricket will carry on but it is in deed the end of the road for Pakistan (cricket in Pakistan is just a consequence of that)

Its very sad. Never ever expected this to happen. Pakistan has truly been a great friend to us (Sri Lanka). I worked in Middle East and had many Pak friends who are really wonderful and great, helping people. My deepest condolences to the policemen who lost their lives. We Sri Lankans DONT blame Pak for this issue but I think security should have been improved. My request to Pak govt. pls DONT allow this menace to grow and spread. Take action now. Pak needs cricket. We Sri Lankans are ready to help you.

This is disaster for Pakistan cricket. Any team which has refused to play cricket in Pakistan for security reasons will find their stand vindicated. I don't know what somebody stands to gain from this barbaric act, but this certainly spells disaster not just for Pakistan cricket, but for international sports in Pakistan in general. With great difficulty Sri Lanka was convinced to play this series after India and Australia had refused. Also, this was Pakistan's first test series in 1.5 years! Now no team is likely to agree on touring Pakistan and puts a question mark on the suitability of hosting matches of the 2011 World Cup in Pakistan.

This is the worst day for all Cricket lovers. I play and support cricket, but to do this is a coward act by those people who carry out acts of terror. This should never happen in sport and it has. What next?

I regret this incident. I am not exactly a supporter of Pakistan cricket, probably sit on the opposite end. But, it always amazed me how it could produce such quality players. Batsmen like Anwar, Amir Sohail, Ijaz, Inzy, Salim Malik, Ramiz Raja and then there were Wasim, Waqar, Saqlain and so many more. Boy did I hate them when they played against India! But, quality written all over them. I regret I probably won't be able see that kind off rivalry again or relive those magic moments. How as kids we never stopped talking about Sohail's wicket in the WC 1996 QF match played at my hometown Bangalore. How we had massive loadshedding after that match because most of the power had been routed to the first D/N match played at Bangalore. There were so many stories. Attacking SL team made no sense whatsoever. Lets hope common sense is somehow knocked back into the minds of the attackers and everything is back to normal.

A very sad day for Pakistan and cricket fraternity as a whole. Terrorists knows only one language and it goes to show nobody is safe from them.

Feel bad for pakistani cricketers, they are paying the price for a crime they haven't committed.

Wonder what would happent to next week's scheduled Pakistan tour to Bangladesh.

Cricket is paying the ultimate price.

Reminds me of the 1972 Munich Massacre. It will take decades for Pakistan to regain the trust of the international community. One thing has become clear: promises of security by the PCB cannot be believed. You always second guess a Pakistani.

A sad day for Pakistan, a sad day for cricket, a sad day for the families of the security guards who perished. The SriLankan team has to be commended for its courage and commitment. The decline of Pakistan has begun.....

As a Pakistani I cannot lift my Head and have no words.

I am so worried, these cowards are winning at every front
They first succeeded in straining the relationship between India & Pakistan and now they have succeeded in knocking the the Game of Cricket from Pakistan Indefinitely.

I personally want to say sorry to Sri Lankan Team & Public. I want to assure them that we love you and most of us are not barbarians like these fanatics.

With a very heavy Heart
Thank You Sri Lanka & Sorry for the Worst experience one could face.

Iftekhar

Yes, this is really a barbaric act. Sri Lankan Players came to Pakistan to help improve Pakistan image and they did a very Brave Act. they should be honored not attacked.
After this no one will want to play Cricket or for that matter any sport in Pakistan for years to come. How can the security let this happen.
My sympathies with Sri Lankan players. They got attacked for trying to help Pakistan Cricket. Wish them very best in their Cricketing future.

Hi,

I am deeply hurted and disappointed by this barbarian act of terrorism against a Nation which is helping us to revive cricket.
Now, with this Cricket in Pakistan comes to End. It will take years to recover from this, on everynote Government always states that they are providing a head of state level security to playing country but unfortunately they failed.

As a Pakistani National I appologise to all Lankan Fan and Nation.
And Salute to brave Lankan Player.
Shame on Government!!

none of the cricket player will dare to tour pakisthan in another 20 years. apart from asian countries almost all the countries were hesitating before itself.. now their stance become more concrete

It is very regretable that sportsperson are now being targeted by terrorists. Pakistan has already been somewhat isloated owing to uncontrolled terrorist activities on their soil and this deplorable incident will prove to be the last nail in the coffin. The assurances of security given to ICC and other autorities of the cricket game have been meaningless. I wonder what would have been the scenario if India had visited Pakistan for their tour. It was very unfortunate that Sri Lanka decided to fill in the gap for the Indian cancellation.

Not surprising. Sri Lankan Board should have realised it early that so many countries refusing to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns is not a "BLUFF" but genuine concerns for their sports person. Hopefully, now atleast these administrators will decide to shift the World Cup away from Pakistan.

Hi,

Don't want to turn this in to a blog on international politics but I have a suggestion. Please refrain from giving your analysis on the objectives of terrorists activities in pakistan and elswhere. This to me is punishment given to Sri Lanka for visiting pakistan knowing that the international political agenda is to isolate pakistan from the rest of the world in all social, financial and political aspects of an independant and an integral state.

The actual reasons are far beyond anyone's comprehension including a highly educated person like yourself. "Craving for the oxygen of publicity", to me, is not even remotely related to what has happened. What I agree with is that it is an unfortunate incident and that pakistan cricket is going to bear the concequences for a very long time.

This is really a bad thing. Now this will not only effect Cricket in Pakistan but also the Cricket board and Cricket satup in Pakistan. No one will come in Pakistan now and they have to play outside. And if they do so then how will PCB work because they will not have any revenue due to tickets which they can get playing in Pakistan and how will PCB and Pakistan cricket will survive without. That is also a big question.

I don't have anything more to say. All you guys have said it all. My prayers to the families of the fearless officers who laid there life to save others. I also pray to the Almighty for the speedy recovery of the injured (both Srilankan players and Pakistanis).

I don't think we should stop the pakistan cricket team from playing any cricket. Just that it would take a monumental effort from each pakistani to have another international team visit pakistan.
Best of Luck to all in pakistan, who truely wish for the godwill of the game.
Love from India

I am from India. I am saddened by the happenings in Pakistan. I had a strong faith that sports men would not be attacked by terrorists. Also I felt since Sri Lanka had good relations with Pakistan there would not be much to worry. But i am shocked to be proved wrong. I am a big fan of Wasim Akram and Abdul Qadir. I am sure all senior pak cricketers will be sad at this moment. I just hope sanity prevails and people don't jump to conclusions. let peace prevail

I am a Sri Lankan and i really feel sorry about pakistan and pakistan's cricket. Pakistan helped us in 1996 world cup visiting to sri lanka for a friendly. Thats why all nation and players stood up for this tour. Unfortunatly now its been ruined. Actually the amount of security been provided needs to be questioned. Its an international team ( forget about sri lanka i mean any team) so they have to care a lot as a government. They should have closed the route or escoted highly around the bus. Its ashame. Salutes for the policemens who put their lifes on front to guard the team.

Truly the end of the road for Pakistan as far as hosting cricket matches are concerned.Forget about 2011 World Cup matches in Pakistan!!!

Forget about the end of international cricket in Pakistan - if the Taliban continue their successfully aggressive push throughout the country soon there won't even BE a cricket team.

Surely this attack was just another strategy in isolating Pakistan from the outside world. Who'd want to tour there, invest there or play sport there anymore? A very sad day, but I fear it is just the beginning.

It was foolish to expect that sport would not be affected by the contradictions facing Pakistan. This is but a small episode in the downward spiral that Pakistan finds itself in. Unless the internal contradictions are resolved let alone cricket, the entire society is at risk of implosion. Hope this serves as an eyeopener to the powers that really run the country...

r.i.p pakistan cricket:(( a sad sad sad day in sport history!

In this sad moment, instead of running down our Pakistani brothers, I think we Indians can stand by their side and express solidarity. We have also faced the brunt of terrorism for 3 decades now. I just hope someday, ppl in Pakistan realize that their biggest enemy is terrorism and not India. India would prefer the Zaradaris/Sharifs any day compared to the masked men.

Hope.

My deepest condolences to all parties concerned (SL cricketers, policemen who lost their lives saving the cricketers, and all Pakistanis). Coming to think of it, I wonder how the SL cricketers would feel mentally when they take the field next time!! My guess is they would freak out completely. Hope my guess is wrong..

A sad day for cricket indeed. In a country where there is nothing positive to look forward to other than a good game of cricket which even the tigers respected and did not attack over the past 25 years, it has to come to this. Our team attacked by a bunch of animals who have nothing to do with our country or our politics. Our cricketers were only trying to help pakistan get back on track again and this is what they get in return. The PCb should have done more to protect our national treasures. My condolences to the families of those who lost their lives to protect our team. This country owes it's gratitude to those who died protecting our team today.

hi from Sri Lanka, being a cricket fanatic really sad about the civilians and police men who lost their precious lives. we all should not just salute for them, rather should help their families who might be in miserable state.

I really feel sorry for the policemen killed in the accident.
It is indeed the darkest day in Pakistan cricket.
I would like to thanks Srilanka for coming Pakistan and give us some cricket to watch and really sorry for the worst end to the tour.

As a Sri Lankan I really condemn this attacked. Even Sri Lanka is suffering from LTTE terrorist activities for last 30 years. I request all the cricket lovers in the world to support to destroy terrorist everywhere. Pakistan government should keep an independent inquiry and revile who is behind the attack.

Brave sri Lankans, deepest sympathies to the men who sacrificied their lives. other countries should invite pakistan to play cricket in their countries so that we could see lot of talents.

yes thats true.end of the pakistani cricket. i hope the pcb give 50 million to each player of srilankan team and also how dead in this gurila war. and srilankan board also report the internation council to band the pakistan cricket and the cricket team at least 10 years.

We should not use this incident to attack to any country or any people, but we should eradicate terrorism from the world, because there is a chance to occur same incidents any ware in the world. So, like Sri Lanka try to eradicate terrorism…

My sympathies with everyone who is injured and killed in this darstardly act. Also my heartfelt sympathies with the people of pakistan and its cricketers whose life has been tarnished due to the mindless acts of few. We stand with you.

This is a terrible tragedy on every level (that transcends cricket too, of course). I particularly pity Pakistan cricket players and supporters - it is a shame that they will suffer the consequences of this for many years to come. Forget the finger-pointing for now, there will be enough of that over time anyway, and let's see the cricket world do what it can to make sure that Pakistan cricket, and all that it brings, is not lost to us.

Deepest sympathies to all sri lankan team and the policemen who died
Me and The entire pak nation apologises to brave and friendly sri ankan team for the act of these cowards who want to bring pakistan to its knees which is Not Possible

I am from India and having faith in sports. Its really a darkest day in history of cricket. I wish SL cricekets to get well fast. I am sure more good cricket will come up from them. God bless them.

I am a pakistani of 28.I was almost 3/4 when Imran had shin injury---i was almost 6 when Javed hit that 6-i was abt 10 when Wasim used to get hatricks---i was below 12 when we won the WC & W's swung the world, reverse. This is nerve breaking---spirit shattering....moraal wrenching. We love SL cricketers the most, we feel all asian brothers, and same as all cricket nations whatecer color or race....Believe me neither muslims nor pakistani can do it---It is hypocratic poitics---bringing us to this corner---The world politics. trust my youth, trust my tears...! just want to make two points.
1. Believe me it is not the end---End will even not come if terrorists takes our lives coz this land owe us----no one can beat our faith and love. We pakistanis as a nation will bounce back---just count the time---the nation needs just direction.
2. Thanks for everyone supporting pakistan esp IND,SL, AUS etc--Wheather cricket ended after all happenings in SA,IND,SL etc.yup, stop it til prpr security.

All i want to say is 'SORRY SRI LANKA' and till now i beleived Australia England India all were wrong but today i cannot deny it.And i would appeal to ICC to let Pakistan team play at nuetral venues atleast. We all love cricket. I literally had tears in my eyes when i got up in the morning to watch the match and founf the unfortunate headline on my tv screnn. Its indeed shocking.....the death of cricket in Pakistan!

i am sadden to hear what happen especially being a cricket lover hope gods help those affected

Pak governement should control terrorism. Its a black day in history of cricket.Pakistan team looking in good form now. Its a set back to pakistan cricket board.My sympathy to sri lanka cricketers.

shocked and pained.The darkest day for cricket.where do we go from here?

I was sure something like this will happen in Pakistan sooner or later. I had written earlier also regarding my reservations when Imran Khan went pubilic to say that the terrorists do not attack sportsmen and it is safe to come. These sort of comments do more harm than good since these so called jihads would take it as a challenge to hit below the belt. Imran surely gave them a good idea !!!
The worst hit is the pakistani team - I have not seen a team more passionate about its game its a sad loss for cricket. There is no greater thrill than watching pakistan playing in front of their home crowd...

Yes indeed a very sad day in Cricket and especially Pak Cric history. Cricket will return to Pak, Inshallah, when, no body knows.

It is very sad to even imagine this type of act. Its pathetic that some people without having respect of humans carry out such acts. And the result is borne by the whole nation. I feel very sad for cricket lovers of pakistan as their fate & fate of cricket in pakistan lies in doldrums. My condolences to the people who have lost lives while protecting their guests. I also salute Sirlankans for their spirit. Lastly I would like to say that don't pass judgement based on some heinous acts of cowards.

After these horrible attacks on the Sri Lankan cricketers, my heart goes out to the common man in Pakistan. What is the guarantee of HIS safety, if a mockery is made out of such supposedly 'high-security' events? Truly a sad day for world cricket, and I salute the Sri Lankan and Pakistani teams, who tried to do their bit to bring happiness to the Pakistani public.

We are shocked by this incidence and this has hurt Pakistani Cricket and Pakistan itself also.
Police's performance in this incident has been superb as they faced the terrorits with dignity and 6 of them lost their lives.
But i can assure you that every Pakistani Loves Cricket and Cricketers no matter which nationaty they own. We, bing Pakistani will stand firm against the terrorists and the day will come when we will win our Pride again.
The show must go on....

Deepest sympathies to those who lost their lives in this ruthless incident. It is indeed a very dark day not just for cricket fans but for all peace-loving people. No lasting objective can ever be achieved by perpetrating violence. Such lawlessness is condemned in strong terms. It is a pity that Srilankan cricketers were targetted by the terrorists, when they were guests in their country. Whether or not international cricket will return to Pak is a secondary issue. It is a matter of great regret that when most countries had refused to play in Pak, Srilanka who chose to visit Pak, got this rude treatment. Very very sad!!

May peace prevail in this world.

I was looking forward to the days play and my expectations were shattered! What dastardly act. I am at a loss! What kind of sucurity escort accompanied the Lankan team? Why weren't there army commandoes in front and rear escorting the team bus? When these bastards showed up on the scene and started shooting, did the security detail manage to counter attack? An effective security detail could atleast have neutralised and couterattacked some of the terrorists? In the end i'm aware it's extremely difficult to constantly guard against such unpredictable events. I sincerely hope for the police to catch some of these perpetrators and find out who is behind this cowardly act. My prayers and sympathies to the families of the dead security men and kudos to the Lankan team for daring to defy. Best wishes.

Not just cricket, today is the saddest day for sports. Sri Lankans had been very branve and we all salute them, but if its cricket today, it can very easily be something else tomorrow.

We will not bend down to terrorism, but in light of the recent shooting incident, Pakistan Sports official will be hard pressed to convince other countries / teams to tour Pakistan. It is now upto the citizens of Pakistan to bring about the change in their country's governance and make it safer for all.

One positive thing from these dreadful events is the number of Pakistan cricket fans, presumably from all over the world are united in their condemnation for this atrocity. Let's hope the people of Pakistan can unite to stamp out this behaviour and work towards a greater piece. No team will tour there for at least five years I think but it is certainly worth looking at the ideas commentators have suggested of Pakistan 'home' series in countries like England where there is a large Pakistani contingent. They do have so many talented players it would be a traversty if we did not see them fulfil their potential. Thanks god we will also get to see the likes of Menthis also achieve their potential. RIP those who lost their lives.

i think we will never see international cricket be played again in pakistan. and that's very sad. but i think it will be good for pakistanis, because this will wake them up and they to presure their government to use more strict policy toward the extremist and make them learn that until political involved in sport, their internationa; team will never be the force that once was.

This is not the end of cricket in pakistan,i think this is the work of those peoples who don't want safe pakistan.they are bastards,no one will leave them.why these peoples want teririsom,who want to finished pakistan from this world,but we will never leave them.we will finished them very soon and when other countries support us then INSAALLAH we will success very soon.ALLAH takes these peoples into the hellllllllll.........

No this is not the end, hopefully this will be a call to Pakistn to rid their land of the radicals because for far to long they have gone unchallenged they need to be eradicated .World cricket needs to support Pakistani cricket in this their darkest hour.Hopefully this will shake the Pakistani goverment into action ,God bless Pakistan

Everyone is criticizing the Pak govt. and rightly so. But isn't the SL president equally accountable? Why was the team sent out inspite of the clear threat? I just wish the Pak govt initiates strict action against terrorists. Meanwhile, I hope Pakistani cricketers find competent avenues to keep developing themselves. I hope their government lets them play in the IPL...it's not about politics, it's about sustaining cricket in Pak. And let's not fool ourselves into thinking that it's a Pak problem...it is a subcontinent problem. This will only reinforce the Western typecasting of the region as a terror-infested mess

My deepest sympathies with Sri Lankan team...I think it's time that PCB should decide to hold international cricket on neutral grounds like Dubai,Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.Pakistan is as safe as they say it is!!!

I am writing from Karachi Pakistan and I have been terribly shocked about the events in Lahore. All I can say is that Pakistan does not deserve to host any international matches at least for the next 25 years. The terrorists are always out for destruction and menace but what baffles everybody is that how come the security offered to the Sri Lankans could be so poor? Whenever the ministers travel in Pakistan the roads are cleared. How come this was not so for the Sri Lankans. This event is actually a reflection of the deteriration of our society in general. I hate to say this but today was the day that I felt ashamed to be a Pakistani.

I feel that we have lost our cricket and all international events in pakisan.I am realy disapointed to hear this sad news.Deepest sympathies to all the peoples who face this moments specialy Sri Lankan Players and all those peoples who lost thier lives.

Pakistan should have given more security for lankans. Defence ministry should take the responsibility !

How does this help the terrorists cause? The Pakistani people love cricket. Surely many citizens and politicians who may have felt sympathy for the terrorists cause will now be turned against them. Tony. Australia

14 Feb96 wasim akram
"We are here to show the other countries that everything is fine. We are here to play cricket and people over here love cricket,"
"We have no fears of any security in Sri Lanka. We are just relaxed and it was like coming to Sri Lanka on a normal cricket tour," said Akram when he was asked about the security concern, that Australia and West Indies teams were worried about.’’

Today that most pure of human competitive pursuits - sport - has been attacked and injured...it is a very sad day indeed...it is hard enough to face 8 ounces of leather at 150 kmph...you shouldn't have to face a bullet!

The darkest hour in the history of Pak cricket and indeed the world cricket has arrived. I salute to the brave Sri Lankan cricketers & their country which sent their team to play in Pakistan inspite of all the negative travel adviseries as gesture of goodwill and to help Pak cricket. For the policemen who layed down their lives to protect the innocent our hearts weeps and may god bring peace to their families. The terrorist have dealt a severe blow not only to cricket but to our fabric of society. Pakistani citizens & the govt. must wake up in this hour of gloom and must ensure that this evil is eradicated for good. The international community must also help us in not isolating Pak cricket as it will be victory for the terrorists.

A very shame Day for Sports Lover across the Globe . Its really a darkest day in history of cricket.

What a sad day, but never say never! Never is a very long time time indeed, and do not say the end, because it won't be. A love of cricket is shared by the people of Pakistan with hundreds of millions of people around the world, and will not die because of the acts of a few dastardly terrorists. My sympathies go out to those directly affected, and to all Pakistani people saddened by this event. But don't be defeatist. Do not drop your heads and say this is the end. Say rather this is the beginning of your struggle to build a society where cricket and other harmless, pleasurable pursuits can be enjoyed without fear.

As an Ozzy this attack is a huge shock. My sympathies to the Sri Lankan's whom thankfully were not seriously hurt, the cricket loving pakistani people who may not see international cricket for some time & to all cricket nations who will be robbed of the opportunity to tour Pakistan & experience this great country. Let us all hope that this does not rob the world of the chance to see some of the wonderful cricketers that come from this nation. The cricket world must support Pakistan, just imagine how much poorer the cricket world would be without the likes of Imram Khan, Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Abdul Qadir, Zaheer Abbas and so on. To those in Pakistan that would support terrorism, this may be your biggest mistake, now surely the Pakistan Gov & security agencies will finally stand up these people. long live Pakistan cricket, long live a free pakistan.

My deepest sympathies to all sri lankan team and the policemen who died in Lahore today. I beg to differ with Kamran Abbasi that this is the end. The world of cricket knows that it will be much poorer without Pakistan. I am confident that the decent minded people in ICC will try their best to keep Pakistan Cricket in the loop. PCB must also accept the realities on the ground and should urgently arrange the future tours programs in such a way that Pakistan can regularly play test matches at venues like England and UAE. May the Decency and Goodwill among the nations destroy the evil of terrorism for ever.

Our prayers to the families of those killed and injured.

The thugs and cowards hide behind bullets and anonymity. To all in Pakistan... it must hurt deeply that this occured ... please know that any anger is focussed against the thugs and cowards - not the cricket loving and good citizens of Pakistan.

As an obsessed fan of Sri Lankan cricket today is one of the most terrifying days our nation and people worldwide had to endure,My heartfelt sympathies goes out to Our Brave lankan Cricket team,The pakistan police officers who risked and lost their lives on behalf of our Cricketers...and my sympathies remain with the cricket lovers of Pakistan,in the subcontinent Cricket is not just a game but a religion and i know how much Sri lankans,Pakistanis,Indians love and value this game...I pray that our cricketers will revive soon from this horrific incident in the meantime I cannot understand why the Pakistani Government couldnt take precautions and tighten the security provided for our cricketers....especially when Sri lanka was the only nation that came all the way to keep the spirit of the game of Cricket alive in Pakistan, As sri lankans we do sympathize with all cricket lovers of Pakistan because we do not foresee any future of international cricket been played in Pakistan.....

I can sense the pain your latest article. I feel that this is a dark day for all cricket lovers not only for Pakistan. I wish cricket can be played in the spirit of peace and brotherhood. I still recall the tour of 1978 when the Indian cricketers were so warmly welcomed in Pakistan - I don't think anyone really cared about the result (at least we as kids did not) - the fact that India was in Pak was an event for all of us. I wish we could re-capture days of peace and tranquility.

I was watching India - NZ match when Ravi Shastri broke this SAD news on Air. I'm from India, still I'm not able to celebrate Indian Victory today. This is easily one of the sadest day for me being a true cricket lover. Don't worry Pakistan we are with you at this sad day. Bravo Srilankans.. You guys are the true symbol of courage. I hope this incident never gets repeated and cricket unites all of us. I'm still shaking ...

Being an Indian I have always been an ardent fan of the furtive thought of what the team would be like if india and pak had been joined together.. the akrams and the zaheers openin the attack and sachin and saeed anwar openin the battin.. dreams of a million gone up in smoke... today is indeed a very sad day for pak cricket. not only will there be no more cricket in pak for a while nw, with all the turmoil going on in the pak side.. this will definitely count as the last nail in the coffin. Unfortunately only wen all the turmoil in pak politically has been resolved will cricket be able to come back to this nation of great cricketers. It is indeed a great shame and all we can hope for is tht these destructive forces do not do more harm to the already ripped fabric of pakistani cricket.. here's hopin to see india tusssle with the pak team in karachi sometime in the future.. hoping.. hoping....

Prayers to the families that lost loved ones.
Although I have never really liked pak I have to admit it is generally due to the great abilities they have. SA struggled a great deal against Pak and no one likes to watch their home team get beaten :)

As for the end of pak cricket? I think not. Life carries on. Pakistan isn't the only place in the world to play cricket. The national team might have to do far more touring but the game will continue. As for the comment about sport being superficial, I disagree. Valuable life lessons are taught in team sports, working together, humility/humbleness in defeat, joy of winning as a team, humbleness in winning and dependancy on other people to do their job and an understanding how important it is to do your job. Agreed they not the greatest role models nowadays but sport is important.

The game will go on and i look forward to seeing Pak in SA. That which doesn't kill us makes us stronger. United front is the only way to beat these terrors

A heart wrenching day for world cricket, and my deepest sympathies to not only the Sri Lankan cricketers, but mostly to the families of those brave Security Officials who lost thier lives to protect the players. Heroism and bravery, so often refered to within the field of play, have taken on a new meaning to the cricket world today. The fact that none of the Sri Lankan players suffered life threatening injuries is a testament to those who layed down thier lives to protect them from attack. My thoughts are with the Sri lankan team, officials, and countrymen, but also with the families of those slain. Quickly may Pakistani cricket recover, and long may the greatest game in the world prosper. We shall not be beaten by terrorism, the families who lost loved ones today, and those who have been forever traumatised by this act of cowardice and outrage will not allow it.

This was an atrocious and appalling incident which has not only targeted a well loved cricket team but the entire image of Pakistan,even more tarnished now. There had been one team who stood by Pakistan throughout the terrorist fiasco who had been willing to come back to play cricket no matter what happened. Naturally, this will put a complete stop on cricket in Pakistan which is a justifiable step. Personally speaking I consider a sport whether cricket or any other as a way to solidarity and friendship not violence. This whole episode is just astonishing, don't have words to express the sorrow. I just wish the best to the Sri Lankans, hope they have a quick recovery. It was gracious of these wonderful guys to visit our country in the first place and what they had to go through is just tragic. We shall all pray for the health and success of our Sri Lankan friends.
Cricket in Pakistan is no more a question as the reality is in front of us all now. As Kamran said 'This is The End' :(

What can one do? March 3, 2009 is the bad day in the history of sports. It jolted the whole world of sports. All cricketing nations should think about this and plan for future to save the game of cricket.
Pakistani love with cricket and no one could think about this act. It is a great lose of Pakistani nation, which is not amendable. We should pray for the passed away security persons and for the health of Sri Lankan players.
We should strongly condemned this act.

I got a dreadful shock this morning when I turned on the television at 7:30am UK time and heard this tragic news. For the sake of those brave men who gave their lives trying to protect others Pakistani cricket must not be allowed to die. As all of us who have lived or grown up with the threat of terrorism know, the only answer to these murderers is to carry on.

Pakistani cricket will endure - even if Test matches have to take place abroad for the time being. It must survive just as must Pakistan.

We salute SL cricketers for being brave in touring neighbouring Pakistan to lift up the game. After watching videos of gunmen running riot , it is definietly a secutiry lapse.PCB failed to give proper security amidst threats. Our gratitude to those laid their lives in saving our heroes. Feel bad for pakistan cricket, who produced the likes of Saeed Anver, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis. Hope all cricketing nations will condemn terrorism

I wouldn’t go as far to call it an end.
But yes it is the darkest day in the history of cricket in Pakistan.
The land which flourished the talent of reverse swing and produced some legendary cricketers like Imran Khan, Zaheer Abbas, Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram, Waqar Yunis, Inzimam, Saeed Anwar and many others. It is a cricket-loving nation who hailed and praised the Indian team on winning in Lahore. You see people face print Indian and Pakistani flags on each side of cheek to promote friendship. Praising legends like LARA (singing BOLO LARA LARA in tune of Daler Mehdi’s song BOLO TARA TARA) …. I am scared this might be the end of cricket for unforeseeable future.
As a Pakistani and die-hard cricket fan I am saddened by the incident and loss of innocent lives.

Part2 - continued..

I am grateful to GOD that none of players were killed by the incident and salute those security officers who gave their lives to protect our kind and humble guests who despite all security concerns agreed to tour our country to promote cricket in the region.
They are the true ambassadors of cricket and peace.
I see all negatives out of this incident, but one point made clear. “Terrorism has no boundaries, no religion and no nationality”. Islamabad bombings followed by Mumbai and now Qadaffi incident should be enough evidence that Indian/Pakistani governments need to work together if they need to beat terrorism and shouldn’t use these incidents to gain political advantages. We as young youth need to stop spreading word of hatred through Internet blogs.

Things could have been worse..
This is indeed a sad day for the whole nation..

but, our 5 policemen gave away their lives for the protection of Lankans... two bombs were defused.. It was an attack by bombs and bullets and yet all SriLankan players were saved..

I salute those policemen who lost their lives for their duty !!

Terible.........Real Terrible.
End of PCB. End of Pakistan Cricket.

I have not words to express my condolance on this event and sympathies to the victims. I consider this event, which have all time effects, after the assessination of B.B.

As a sri lankan, i was shoked to hear the attack on our cricketers. Firstly my condolances to the families of police officers who were killed in this incident.what ever said we thank pakistan officials for their efforts to keep our team safe, since i was in pakistan as a spectator during ODI series, i know & saw they were doing their best to protect visitors. As Sri Lankns we still remember how pakistan-india toured SL in 1996 when most countries refused. we are still greatfull for that, what i need to say to all pakistanis is we should not put our hopes down. lets unite to get cricket back to pakistan (it may take bit time, may be few years bt still lets start from today)and i wish it will be transformed as a safe place for me to tour pakistan again, because it's a such a wonderful country with pleasant pple..

The whole nation of pakistan salute srilankan cricket team and whole nation of pakistan are sorry for what happened with them. Being a Pakistani, i am ashamed. My head is down. Pls forgive us.

Under such circumstances, the blame game will not lead to anywhere. Now everything is in the hands of the Pakistani people to decide on what has to be done to avoid such occurances. Stand united, force the govenment to act or quit, decide on whom you need to safeguard the people, the economy, the nation and the world as a whole. We are all with you in all your endeavour to force terrorism out of the world. - UAE

I am shocked and outraged by this dispicable act. Pointless senseless violence which has no rhyme nor reason.

Sri Lanka toured Pakistan as a gesture of good will, as a token of friendship in such dark times. And in all honestly, Pakistani security has let them down completely. The gunman were armed to the teeth and it is very fortnuate that further casualties were avoided.

Needless to say, cricket is finished in Pakistan for years to come. The Pak cricketers should buy homes in the UAE or England because they'll be playing a lot of cricket there.

I hope the Sri Lankans recover swiftly.

Its very much shocking not only for the Pakistan but for the entire cricket world. Firstly I salute to the Shaheed policemen, I think it due to only their Shahadat that Sri Lankan players are safe. Pakistan should not stop to play cricket. They should not insist any team to come in the Pakistan. They should play in other countries and at neutral venues. We can not afford to loose very talented pakistani cricketers. If law and order improves in Pakistan and the Government of Pakistan succeed in controlling the terrorism, the international cricket will back in Pakistan.

Hope the lankans will shed the thoughts and fear from their mind and prove to be a major force to clinch the next world cup there by to prove - terrorism cannot take a upperhand as far as games - in any form are concerned. UAE

cricketers are national assets.they should be given presidential level of security.but in pak even the president was attacted twice.pakistan is reaping the fruits of the seeds it has sowed.sad day for a cricket lover like me.

Sorry! Sri Lanka about today's happening. We really appriciate your courage to visit Pakistan when no other team was willing. Its all part of life.

There is begining to every end. We are hoping to see the cricket in Pakistan very soon.

As a fellow cricket lover and policeman in Australia, my heart goes out to the fataly wounded policeman and injured Sri Lankan cricket team in this terrible attack.
The Pakistani cricket loving public need not feel responsible, it is not your fault.
International cricket in Pakistan will not be seen for atleast 10 years, but i hope the Pakistani cricket lovers unite together and get through this terrible time.

I am an Indian and am very sorry that this happened. My heartfelt sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives and I hope that cricket does not die in pakistan. Unlikely to the common perception, most pakistanis and Indians do not hate each other and do not support these attacks. But nevertheless, more needs to be done to stop this menace and it has to be done by pakistanis for the love of their nation, cricket, and God. Is there any kind of foundation that supports families of those dead?

its a Cowardly act.
PCB should shift their base to UAE if they want to survive in international cricket.

Agreed 100% to following message

Posted by: Sam at March 3, 2009 9:42 AM

In this sad moment, instead of running down our Pakistani brothers, I think we Indians can stand by their side and express solidarity. We have also faced the brunt of terrorism for 3 decades now. I just hope someday, ppl in Pakistan realize that their biggest enemy is terrorism and not India. India would prefer the Zaradaris/Sharifs any day compared to the masked men.

Hope.

hi from sri lanka!

Being a Sri Lankan, i am really saddened by this. and i think the ones who suffered most happen to be the pakistanis. Even after sacrificing some of their men to save the lankans, they will be accused and questioned. and pakistan cricket will take some years b4 it gets back t the good 'ol days!. We have not 4gotten the fact that pakistan toured sri lanka in 1996, when the rest declined...and touring pakistan was somewhat, a way of paying gratitude....but unfortunately , the security had some gaps!... I honestly wish that pakistan and pakistan cricket will be able to get back, sooner than expected!...

Good luck!

Its really really sad of what has happened
1would have thought that Cricket is coming back to Pakistan with people coming into watch the test match... But its a very very sad day for Pakistan Cricket.....

This is a real shame and proves that Pakistan is a victim of terrorism just like any other country. It is tragic to see policeman lose their lives and Sri Lankan cricketers having to face such a bad experience. This is worrying not only for Pakistan but also for India because similar attacks can happen in either of the two nations. I think India and Pakistan should play their cricket in Dubai with high security.

Pakistan & Sri Lanka have always been good friends in cricket, they all have helped each other. Actually India cancelled their tour on security threats, but Sri Lanka bravely accepted the invitation. Upto now Sri Lanka have never rejected a tour to Pakistan. In situation like this Pakistan Cricket Board should have given more security to Lankans.
Anyway we all should stand up against TERRORISTs. Say "NO" to Terror. Fight Terrorism like Sri Lankans fighting it out back home trying to chase TERRORISTS away...

thanks...
Tharaka(Sri Lankan)
Sacramento,USA

As a Sri Lankan cricket lover I am extremely saddened about the events that took place today. I guess Sri Lanka paid a heavy price for replacing India in the Cricket Tour. The biggest losers will be the Pakistan Public who have been starved of cricket for years. We in Sri Lanka are greatful to the commandos who laid down their lives to protect our players and I hope the Sri Lankan government can compensate the families of those brave commandos for their Supreme sacrifice. We stand by our Pakistan Breathen and we know there are certain elements willing disrupt a game of cricket to meet thier own selfish ends.But the damage has been done and by the looks of it it will be probably take years before Sri Lankan palyers in the callibre of Jayawardena, sagakkara , mendis and samaraweera ever decide to come to Pakistan again. I appeal to the ICC not to Punish the Pakistan public for the actions of a few selfish terrorists.

I m writing frm Vancouver, Canada.. originally from Lahore, Pakistan..!! with a huge shock here at this end of the world... myself and my family is as much upset/sad as the former cricketers + families acorss the world..!! with all my heart and luv i salute 2 our police officers by which despite their huge efforts they made it possible to save the lives of the Srilankan cricketers..!! obviously it is a tense moment across the cricket nation but hey we all have to get back together.. n support one another..!! my heart goes to all the families.. n me being a citizen of that coutry.. i feel xtremly sorry for all that has happened.. no body wants crime in any aspect of life.. this was not planned by the govt or normal ppl.. but since we just encountered it.. we all shud deeply pray for the victims and their families.. n must not forget the ongoing cricket in Pakistan, Since its a "ALL NATION GAME" May Allah/God Strengthen the people to bare for wht has happened and May God Bless them all!!

I am still under shock since i heard about this most saddest day in Pakistan's sporting history.It is not the end but i fear that my country faces total isolation.I salute the Sri Lankan players and am deeply and very hurtfully sorry that they have been targeted by seneseless and inhumane animals.Today for the first time in my life i feel ashamed to be called a Pakistani.

This is nasty. We were shocked by hearing this unfortunate incident. However, terrorist can't stop playing cricket in Sri lanka either all over the world. We don't hate Pakistani people as we know the terrorism by our own experience. Sri Lanka will be the first country who playing Pakistan next time as well. Sampath - Sri Lanka

Hi I'm a Sri Lanken and I love cricket very much. Today incident is a result of TERRORISM and it can be happened any where in the world. This is a only one incident.
Here in Sri Lanka we have faced TERRORISM over the last 30 years and every day we suffer from this kind of incidents.

Time has come to fight against TERRORISM and today incident is good starting point to the world to talk against Terrorism.

I love PAKISTAN very much. Very good nation very similar to us.
Don’t worry my brothers again we will come to your Country to play CRICKET

sad day for Pakistan and International Cricket. words dont do justice with the feelings. I can only present my praise for Srilankan Team and Policemen who sacrificed their lives.

Let us not forget that people died today... God bless.

First of all, Id like to apologize to Sri Lanka for all that they have to go through. As a Pakistani im shameful and at the same time sorry, we are a cricket loving nation and really dont care for any other sport. It is really sorry that this is going to destroy most international ties with most countries as far as cricket is concerned, because of something we dont have too much control over

Yes it is the darkest day for pakistan cricket..it was shocking for me more then any one..the place where terrorists attacked envoy was only 3 kms away from my home..who is responsible for this????in this hour of need pcb and team should stand fast against the test of time..some powers wants to destroy us.so my appeal is this that everyone should me optimistic that cricket in pak should continue...

My sincere apologies to Sri Lankan Cricketers as well as to Sri Lanka Nation to what has happened today ….. I hope that World cricket community wont exile Pakistan Cricket.

On a reading of the comments I find that most of the comments by our friends in Pakistan have vehemently condemned this barbaric act of attacking a sports team. How I wish our friends in Pakistan come together, hold their hands together march towards their respective heads of state and demand action. This is for the good of Pakistan because recent events in Pakistan have shown that Pakistan is hurtling towards anarchy and it is only the right minded people who can bring about change. Start the march now and a leader will arise. God bless Pakistan.

Sri Lankan team or even Sri Lanka never had problems with Pakistan. Every time when some other country abandon a tour to Pakistan or to India, Sri Lankan cricket team always visted their neighbours and have shown their love for Cricket in Neighbours. In that situation it is very sad and pathetic that this happens to Sri Lankan team. This terrorist gang must be hating cricket then. We all who love cricket, condemn this terrorist attack to the game of cricket. Terrorism is terrorism no matter where it happens how is starts, ultimately civilians and people who never had links with terrorists or their cause will suffer. Entire world should stop supporting terrorists no matter what they claim.

Wish for a speedy recovery for the players and others who got injured.
Sam, USA.

Very regretful. Lankans didnt deserve this for standing up against the world for Pakistan. As a nation we should apologize to Sri Lanka. Interior Ministry should take the responsibility and Rehman Malik should resign immediately. I had never thought that such thing will ever happen in Pakistan. Very sad day

Cricket is in the blood of every pakistani and today is the sadest day for each pakistani. Lot of regards for lankas team that despite attack they said "we have no regrets playing in Pakistan". Pakistani love cricket and things will changed soon. Everyone be optimistic.

Sincerest sympathies with the policemen who paid with their lives but protected their Sri Lankan guests' lives. Apologies to Sri Lankans because this is certainly not the way to treat guests, least off all those who came to show solidarity with Pakistani public. Please do not judge Pakistanis by the actions of few deranged psychopaths.
Menace of terrorism knows no boundaries but we should also avoid any knee jerk reactions/generalisations. Cricket should not be the loser, if this means Pakistani team playing on neutral grounds or away series, so be it because we should not be submitting to the terror.

Shahid - London

Im posting as a Sri Lankan and a personal friend of Kumar Sangakkara... this is a terrible attack on innocent people who had nothing to do with any of the problems in Pakistan... but thats what terrorism is, its violence without sense and we have been facing that for over 25 years in SL. Some people have posted about banning the Pakistan team, what on earth is that going to achieve. The Pakistan team had nothing to do with this attack. Matches should be cancelled in Pakistan for sure, but international matches in other countries featuring Pakistan should go ahead. Sri Lanka has always supported Pakistan and vice versa so that shouldnt stop now. I know the players all wanted to help Pakistan cricket when they went there. Shame on these murdering terrorists for the damage they have done mainly to the innocent policemen and civilians who were killed, and to cricket, and to Pakistan as a nation. Terrorism should be wiped out everywhere, in Pakistan as much as in SL and every country.

Be proactive. Organize a protest. Create a voice in the country that can be heard. Stand up an be courageous against the terrorist instead of blaming politicians.

I simply cannot understand why terrorists would want to target cricketers?! Why? I am shocked at such a senseless attack. Australia, India, etc were right not to tour Pakistan. Who knows how long it will be before another country plays a test there.

this is such a shame to mankind. my deepest sympathies to the lankan team. i also feel sorry for the pakistani team and all those aspiring young sportsmen in pakistan, who are paying heavily for no fault of their own. this is a sad day for all sportsmen. i sincerely pray there are no such incidents in the future.

I'm a SriLankan. God saved our team. But I really feel sorry for Pakistan. A Nation who has produced Greats Like, Abbas, Imran khan, Miandad, Wasim, Waqar, Inzamam ,Anwars.They put Pakistani cricket in great hights. We cannot let this moment be the end of Pakistani cricket. As asians we should get together in this hour. If we isolate Pakistan then the victory would go to the blood thirsty terrorist. I hope our big brother in the region, India will get together at this moment to help Pakistan. Dear Pakistanees, as Srilankans we are always with you. In your successes as well as when you are in trouble. Younis & the Team.Don't give up.All the Best !

This attack gives the self-appointed security experts and professional scaremongers every chance to say 'told-you-so'. International cricketers, not generally noted for their independence or gravity of thought, will lock the door on playing in Pakistan for another decade.

Salute to Srilankan cricket team and the nation and death to Terrorists who have succeeded in isolating Pakistan from cricket world. I wonder if I can see cricket happening in Pakistan in my life time. Sad very Sad....

Pakistan has gifted so many talented players to the world of cricket. Are we going to loose their cricket in future. Sure it will be the darkest period in Pakistan cricket. However we should all help them to recover from this damage.
Feel so bad about what happenned to Sri Lankan cricketers who were very brave and always willing to help their neighbours to retain the spirit of cricket. Pakistani government should have given better security for them. What ever happenned has happenned. What should happen now is to give our maximum support for Pakistani cricket as well as the Sri Lankan cricket team where I have seen most pleasent cricketers. Hope they all will recover soon and their crcikcet will be back to normal soon.
Never support terrorists. No matter what picture terrorists show you, ultimately innocent people who never had any thing to do with them or their course will die and suffer No body will gain from any of the terror acts other than the terrorist leaders. Say No to terrori

The first thing that came to my mind was that, I seriously hope all the cricketers are fine. Thn, it sure came to me that, "This was the end of International Cricket in Pak, for some time atleast." I cant understand the motive behind this to be very honest.. and expect alot of foul play.
This may also mean that Pak will be reduced to a side which tours other counties and plays its own game at 3rd party venues, like Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong etc.
I am an Indian and my prayers are with the Pakistanis who live in this constant fear of terrorism, day in and day out. Cricket now takes a back seat in these cases.

It is a very sad occurance. Bad for cricket. It also shows that sports and games need a secure environment and political stability. No nation can have snakes crawling all over and hope that common man and sportsmen will be safe. Pakistan Government has to strive hard to make the nation safe.

A very very sad day for cricket in general and for Pakistan cricket in particular. Nevertheless I dont think its the end, Pakistan cricket will come out of these ashes, and will find its proper status among the cricket playing nations. I agree with Waseem Bari when he urged the international community to help Pakistan at this juncture rather isolate it.

Though I am saddened by the attack at Liberty Square and my feelings go out to the Sri Lankans who have always stood by Pakistani cricket I am happy that Pakistan will now play "home" games abroad in places like the UAE, England and quite possibly in the USA.
Why?
At least we will have bigger crowds in the stadiums abroad. At least we will have sporting wickets -- in "home" games in Dubai, Edgbaston, Headlingley, Sharjah and Old Trafford.
Just imagine, Pakistan v India at Sharjah with a second test in May at Old Trafford. Much better playing than in Multan or Faisalabad. Plus playing at international venues could help improve the skills of our players. Umar Gul bowled 35 overs the other day on a dead Lahore wicket. And how many people wnet to see the test in Lahore? The good times for international cricket for Pakistan may just be ahead - sad though this incident is.

I think in this difficult time, as an Indian, Id like to remember that these same terrorists could do similar things in India too, so Pakistan is definitely not alone. Years of harbouring and abetting terrorism has paid off in a big way for not only Pakistan, but the entire region. Lets hope that the Indian fans give a warm welcome to both SL and Pak players when they come over for the IPL this year, and hope that nothing like this happens in India, SL or Bangladesh.

this is not the darkest day in pakistan cricket but this is one of the darkest day in humanity.i really appreciate the will of brave sri lankans that they came to play and i really feel sorry for the whole cricket fraternity.

This was an atrocious and appalling incident which has not only targeted a well loved cricket team but has the entire image of Pakistan even more tarnished now. There had been one team who stood by Pakistan throughout the terrorist fiasco who had been willing to come back to play cricket no matter what happened. Naturally, this will put a complete stop on cricket in Pakistan which is a justifiable step. Personally speaking I consider a sport whether cricket or any other as a way to solidarity and friendship not violence. This whole episode is just astonishing, don't have words to express the sorrow. I just wish the best to the Sri Lankans, hope they have a quick recovery. It was gracious of these wonderful guys to visit our country in the first place and what they had to go through is just tragic. We shall all pray for the health and success of our Sri Lankan friends.

First my sympathies go out to the Sri Lankan players who thankfully escaped worse injury, and to the brave Pakistani security officers who gave their lives protecting them. Second I am very sad indeed for Pakistan and Pakistani cricket. I was lucky enough to spend several months near Lahore back in 1989 and have never been made to feel more welcome than during my time in Pakistan. I have also never been more impressed anywhere else by the depth of love and enthusiasm for the game of cricket. It is truly a sad day for cricket the world over. But we must not blame the cricketers. The Pakistan cricket team should be welcomed and embraced wherever they travel in the world - even if for the time being they may be forced to accept that other teams no longer feel safe to play there.

I feel sorry for the police who died so gallantly and their poor families. I feel respect and sympathy for the Sri Lankan players and their people who have every right to feel betrayed. I feel great sadness for the Pakistani cricket team, officials and fans who will be forced into a nomadic existence for the feorseeable future. As a Brit and an Aussie, I express respect for the various opinions expressed by Pakisistan cricket fans and distressed citizens. I humbly respect the Islamist views expressed on this forum and have to say I respect their words. Having said all that - and meant it - let me beg that we listen to the concerns of those who resort to terror and do whatever we ALL can to redress real injustices. Let us remember that we are all brothers and sisters on this small lonely planet and not blame nations for the sad excesses of zealots (of any persuasion). Let us unite as people, as cricket fans, and frankly name those we know to be terrorists. Let us reclaim what is right.

Extremely sad whatever happened today.Its a shame.Shame on the hooligans.Shame for the peace loving people of Lahore.Shame for the mercurially talented Pakistan cricket team.

Tragic events. My thoughts with all cricket lovers, but especially the families and friends of the policemen and the Sri Lankan team.

I hope cricket remains a source of hope and pride for Pakistanis everywhere, a means by which some measure of unity and fortitude can help to bring peace back to one of the more beautiful areas of the Earth.

First, my sympathies to all the Sri Lankan cricketers, umpiring officials and my best wishes for speedy recovery for the injured cricketers and the umpire.

Inshallah, peace, sanity and normalcy will return soon.

Violence and terrorism know no religion or nation. Unless every one of us, in our own enlightened self interest, withdraw any kind of sympathy and support to the terrorists, refrain from playing petty politics, we all - including the innocents, as in Mumbai hotels and railway station, as in Marriot hotel and now the Sri Lankan players and the umpire - will unfortunately pay the price directly or indirectly. This is one of those exceptional cases where one cannot be neutral; if we are not AGAINST terrorism in any and every part of the world, then tragically we are WITH terrorism.

Let us hope for peace, safety and sanity...

Pakistan is reaping what it has sown. Time to face reality. Let the international forces clean up the mess for you. Feel sad for the people of pakistan and SL cricketers. Salute the policemen who gave thier lives.

I m deeply aggrieved, upset n ashamed of the attacks on the SL cricketers today...its so disgusting...before blaming others, we should take responsibility of the security lapse..cmon.,,we hav seen the kind of security our ministers get...n the security provided to the SL team was nuthin as compared to the ministers...my heart goes out to the martyrs who gave their lives to save the SL team..n bravo to the driver who had gr8 prescence of mind... but we the cricket fans hav to pay for all dis...International Cricket just died today in Pak n so did the dreams of millions op ppl!!

The Australians were right in not to play in Pakistan. For all those (including me) doubting the reason for white nations not touring Pakistan becasue lack of entertainment i.e. alcohol and ladies. Shame on all of us for letting this happen. RIP pakistan cricket.

Horrible news. Somewhere must be found for Pakistan to play its home fixtures. Cricket needs Pakistan, its fans and players.

After Munich olympics incident(1972),It has added another dark chapter on sports spirits of nations.As Imran khan and Miandad statments "Terrorist never attacks Sportsman" proved as false clam. Sri lankan team must have been lucky to get close shave from this attack. A real salute to the police who gave up their life to save other ppl.
Perhaps this is an end to watching cricket in pakistan...

I think time for another peace deal ? maybe sharia law should be implemented in Pakistan Cricket rules now? what a disgrace to Pakistan and rightly deserved !!!

The saddest moment and the greatest tragic event in the history of Pakistan cricket. I don't really understand the motive behind terrorists attacking sports people. That is really really ridiculous. Can't understand the connection. Looks like a real foul game has been played.
What happened today is really a shame for us. I being a Pakistani sincerely apologize the Srilankan cricket team and Srilankan people from the core of my heart for not being able to look after our guests properly and pray for the quick recovery of the injured Srilankan team members.
My heart goes out for the family of the policemen who laid down their lives in this incident. May Allah give their family the courage and patience to overcome this unbearable loss.
In the end, unfortunately, with a very very heavy heart I admit that I think this black incident today have put an end to any future cricket in Pakistan and we people might never in the future be able to witness any international cricket in our country.

nobody is going to do anything, no one will be caught we don't have the guts we will sign another peace deal with the terrorists! Shameful!! Wake up Pakistan??

Very Tragic indeed, unfortunate. Whom to blame ?? Pakistanis might never accept in their life time. Friends, I want to make it clear - Terrorism is like COBRA, the moment you stop feeding, it will bite you. This is what exactly happening in Pakistan. If pakistan govt don't act and destroy them completely (it's their brainchild grown for the last 50+ years with only aim of destroying India and USSR), what we saw today is nothing. Unfortuantely, as experts predicted, Pakistam will be SOMAILA of Asia by 2015. Let's hope this will never happen, as this in not good for neighbours also. Pakistan not only lost Image and recently lost their brave leader Bhutto. Good luck my friends

Dr. Reddy

On behalf of Pakistani Nation, I say sorry to the srilankan team and the srilankan nation. Its very embarrassing for us and all I can say is that just never tour Pakistan again

Why was there not adequate security? Sri Lanka after all odds STILL came to Pakistan to help us and this is how we reward them?

Disgraceful, I hope no-one tours Pakistan again for a decade!!! Where is the peace deal now??? Sharia allows such cowardly acts??

Unbelievable, tragic situation that fortunataly didn't end with more people dead. My condolences are with the family's of the security members that died in this terrible act.

But i cannot stop thinking that the Sri Lankan team have risked their lives for absolutely nothing. Every other side that was due to tour this country in recent years has pulled out due to security concerns and rightly so, This is not somewhere people should be going.

The Sri Lankan team gave an enormous boost to the PCB by saying they would tour and then doing so, but for what?

These matches were played on lifeless pitches where a result was never, ever possible. There was never a contest between bat and ball in either match and if someone can be proud of making a massive score knowing that it will never lead to victory then what is the point?

continued next.

stupid pakis

My heart goes to those brave officers killed and to the brave Sri Lankan team to come to Pakistan when no one else wanted to! I want to personally say sorry to Sri Lankan team I am crying.

Why we continue to make peace deals with terrorists and criminals and cowards? This is not Islam this is hypocrisy!!!

Deep regards for all those who laid down their lives, and thank God for the cricketers who escaped. Being an ardent fan of Pak brand of fearless, mercurial cricket, I feel sorry for what these events would ensue.

That said, the blame is entirely with Pakistan as well. Not only the weak kneed administrators, govt. and insufficient security measures, but also the media who are forever trying to compare the situation with that of India. Sample this:

December 23, 2008
Posted by Kamran Abbasi at 1:38 AM in Politics

Lorgat's faux pas is a demonstration of weakness

"'As appalling as India's decision is to Pakistan fans, Sri Lanka's quick acceptance is a boost. "

Agreed, the decision was a political one, but it was both foolish and blatantly unjust, that the media in Pakistan chose to ignore the fact that the terrorist attacks 'originates' there, denying involvement even as the nationality of terrorists were established. India could also be the victim tomorrow, but own up first, guys !!

I think the blame only goes to the people of Pakistan who do not have any pride. We all can talk but there is no action. As a nation we are completely divided, we hurting each other on daily basis. I think this is the last chance for us as a nation to wake up and take control of our nation. Instead of being divided let's take individual responsibility to serve our nation without hurting anyone. Let's identify the corrupt and terrorist, and make them pay the price of their actions. Let's work hard create the brotherhood that has racial or ethnic boundaries. Let's do something about this mess.... otherwise Pakistan will cease to exist..... for which our forefather have given so much......

The Pakistan team should set up a temporary home in England. They will be well supported and very welcome. From a sympathetic Englishman.

The Sri Lankan team are the brave police men are the true heroes! We salute you!!

and we reward our hero's with cutting peace deals with death mongers and criminals.

Oh no this is a strategic attack. This is to undermine the writ of the Pakistani state. Every incident such as Mumbai or this directed at one end-- to undermine and isolate the Pakistani state and security apparatus. A weakened Pakistani state is a perfect foliage for Taliban/Al Qaeda to further expand their reach in the ensuing anarchy.
They just compromised in Swat and if Taliban law is applied in Swat, how is that still a part of Pakistan?
Now what next is the question. Gradually weaken and isolate the Pakistani state and make further inroads. Find another city to impose Taliban law and so on. Soon that will be the case in Karachi and Lahore.
The cure to this malaise is to stop the funding of Wahabism, not bombing people mindlessly in exchange for money. In fact the military is complicit in this-- (read ISI head's interview on German tv)-- in that they aren't stopping what is being preached but bombing when people take arms against the state= Create militancy, take money, bomb.

high time to vaporize the terrorists. We need to weed them out and expose them and their leaders and facilitators and financiers and parade them through the streets so people can stone them. Stoning is allowed in Sharia.

i would nt say the end of cricket for pakistan just inside of pakistan ,its just a sickening attack on all humanity and from the evidence left behind theres no doubt the intent was to KILL everyone including the umpires and cricket officials as well as the ENTIRE sri lankan team.i think the driver of the bus should be given a test cap by every test playing nation as a reward and a salute to his quick thinking and bravery.he possesses more guts n courage than those cowardly terrorists.viva sri lanka viva cricket

Hello every one Very Very Sorry to Sri Lankan team and condolance for all police man families who died in this attack i solute to srilankan team that they came for special request by the pakistan cricket board but extremly sorry for this that we didnt provide enough security for u all but we wish always best for ur life and for future GOD bless u All

yes a real sad day pakistans enemys victory i salute my police men n bus driver also srilankan team player thank u for u love n freindship if we play 10 matchs in ten years but INSHALLAH we will beat any team on any day INSHALLAH specially india long live my pakistan

I totally agree with Mr. Salim Akbar. Here is what he said:
"Hi,

Don't want to turn this in to a blog on international politics but I have a suggestion. Please refrain from giving your analysis on the objectives of terrorists activities in pakistan and elswhere. This to me is punishment given to Sri Lanka for visiting pakistan knowing that the international political agenda is to isolate pakistan from the rest of the world in all social, financial and political aspects of an independant and an integral state.
The actual reasons are far beyond anyone's comprehension including a highly educated person like yourself. "Craving for the oxygen of publicity", to me, is not even remotely related to what has happened. What I agree with is that it is an unfortunate incident and that pakistan cricket is going to bear the concequences for a very long time."

let it be know that we people of Pakistan will NOT bow down to terrorists. We will never allow them to run our lives and families. This is NOT the end this is the BEGINNING to "terrorize" the terrorists!! Pakistan zindabad! terrorists.

No doubt this was a ghastly attack on sri lankan players,that much goes without saying. What infuriates me more is the fact the RAW could well organised this. After the Mumbai attacks, india started poiting the fingure at the Pakistan's ISI. Whose to say this was not revenge time for RAW, indian spy agency. I am sorry I am not naive enough to think India is an angel in the subcontinent. I get on with indians on an individual level, but their government and their spy agency is as crooked as the next man.

i dont think this is the end, but instead the beginning. I seriously doubt that this madness will be restricted to Pakistan. Fear and chaos are their greatest weapons and they will spread it far and wide, for whatever reason, or unreason, motivates them

Well, I am not in the state to describe my feelings... but I would only say to the SRI LANKAN cricket team: Sorry!!!, we couldnt prove ourselves the best hosts and plz do forgive us, we too are really upset!!!

There is a saying "what goes around comes around". Now it is coming around. I am spiritual man Islam does not allow cowards and hypocrites any benefits.

May Allah's mercy and grace be upon the Srilanka team and the brave policemen. May Allah's wrath be upon those who seek to bend and twist religion to their desire such are not Muslims and hell awaits with open arms for such demons!!

Indian solidarity is with Pakistanis in this hour. We need a stable South Asia. Let's join hands and fight terror, and remove the root causes of terrorism which are based on needless territorial disputes or the absence of an inclusive democracy.

I am sad very sad. Prayers for Sri Lanka team and security people who died. I HATE all terrorists why we keep letting them go un-accountable for their actions are we cowards? Are we a nation of cowards? To hell with the peace deal and sharia!

Black day for Cricket. Pakistan cricket is now officially dead. Everyone pack up and go home terrorists are coming and Sharia does not allow cricket! Sad sad day for world of sports!

I feel sorry for what has happened to the SriLankan Cricket Team in Pakistan.It is indeed a very sad incident. My prayers are with the Police officials who laid their lives in doing their job that is to protect the visting guests. My thoughts and prayers are with them and their families.

I think the Pakistani Govt is fully to blame for this sad incident since they knew that Pakistan's image abroad was on stake with this tour. President, PM or any other Govt official when they travel we see these bulletproof vehicles and fool proof security like blocking the roads and radar jamming systems not to mention a whole flood of security vehicles.

I think Govt officials should either resign or should be held accountable for this since they have tarnished the image of Pakistan abroad besides damaging cricket in Pakistan where it is taken very seriously.

It is completely undestandable the fear of the international teams but I hope they will look at the broader picture and will come here.

Tragic, Pakistan should forget about hosting any future Cricket Tournaments and may also effect their other sports.(especially women Cricket).No doubt Pakistan is a good cricket team and their corrupted Board must think of playing cricket on neutral venues to earn some revenue.
I personally rule out any involvement from Taliban or other militant outfits, it is clearly a handy work of Indians/Israelis.
WORK FOR PEACE

Black day for Cricket. Pakistan cricket is now officially dead. Everyone pack up and go home terrorists are coming and Sharia does not allow cricket! Sad sad day for world of sports!

I am so sad, i just cant stop my tears....

Interesting how all the sympathy is being expressed for the Sri Lankan team and staff (and rightly so) but the policemen who died seem to be somehow less important. Don't they have families and friends who loved them?

I feel sorry for Sri lankan tigers and pay my tributes to them. I wish their psychological and physical injuries heal quickly. Yes it is a sad day for Pakistani cricket but we should support Pakistan cricket rather than encouraging coward terrorists. And one said 'rearrange' Pakistan! , rearrange your mindset Indians. This is not time to settle scores but chankiya did not teach you this. God help you. God help Pakistan and sri Lanka. Jeevay jeevay Pakistan. Zinda Baad sri Lanka

This cricket tour of Srilanka was absolutely necessary to prove to some stupid Pakistanis that the fear possessed by the non-Asian nations regarding touring Pakistan was really genuine. I salute the brave Srilankan cricketers who risked their lives and toured Pakistan. I salute the policemen who gave their lives in this terrorist attack. Finally, I feel sorry for the innocent Pakistani people and the innocent Pakistani cricketers.

Cricket was the last good thing left with Pakistan. High times for Gilani's & Zardari's to wake up and do something to protect their nation rather then compromising and handing it over to terrorists.

May god bless the the families of braves who lost their lives and give peace to their souls. Hope all injured players to recover start playing soon.

If you look for some positives, i would say that this incident would galvanise the vast majority of Pakistanis' to be more active in preventing the country from falling completely to terrosists.

Very tragic event!. Sadly to say but Pakistan Cricket team future is jeopardized totally. We all feel here in Canada about the people who gave life in line of duty. they should be rewarded. the sorry part is that these terrorists started mixing Politics or whatever their hidden agenda with sports. I dont get it why innocent players and sportsman got to do with this. sad to see srilankan players injured and harmed. Pak team future is darkened. no more International cricket to be played in Paksitan.
We are all very and deeply sad to see this happened in our homeland and with our cricket.

good Luck to our team and our beloved country.

Love & peace
Omar

Kamran has disappointed me. A question for you, What do you mean by this is the end? ask yourself..is this really the end? is this the end me, you and all of us wanted? and I will not be political here but we know who's responsible for the attack.

let's not forgot that we are a hospitable nation. We have at every moment of history, entertained our guests. Even today our policemen died saving them. Let's not forget that we are the country who have produced magnificent artists and sportsmen.

We are from the Land of Pure.

I salute the Sri Lankans - you guys alone extended the hand of friendship, when we needed it most. I feel desperate that we let you down.

Really don't know where we go from here.

This could have gotten much worse if any of the Sri Lankan cricketers had been badly hurt or got forbid, died! I salute the Pakistan policemen, otherwise it could have been worse. I even heard a bomb was thrown inside the bus, but it missed... can you imagine losing a whole cricket team to such an act of violence.

Pakistan is a dangerous place to play cricket, but that doesn't mean that other countries are safe from such acts of terrorism. Sportsmen from all sports need to be provided adequate security so that they can concentrate on their game and not worry about getting shot at!

I don't see Pakistani players getting much cricket at all for the next 2-3 years... the terrorists have brought a bad name to the whole country of Pakistan and the government...

Can we please stop with the 'vast peace loving majority' stuff? Pakistan is a failed state and the most dangerous place in the world precisely b'coz the population is radicalized beyond any recognition. Time to lock the door and throw away the key, until they can sort out their mess themselves.

Sad day for Pakistan, Sad day for cricket.
Salute to brave Sri Lankan team and good people of Sri Lanka. I am sorry and ashamed that we could not protect you.
This is not the Pakistan I have known. These are not Pakistanis' I know. But the fact is, it is happening in Pakistan. Our government and institutions are week, driven by greed and self-destruction. People who choose convicts to rule them cannot hope for miracles. Change must start from with in and must start now.

I am absolutely outraged! I do not know of any athletes being targeted since the Israeli ones in the 1972 Olympics at Munich.

I have always argued that Sports should be above Politics, that Athletes are ambassadors of Peace. I was wrong. I stand corrected.

When Politics targets the lives of sportsmen, Sports cannot remain apolitical.

My heart goes out to those affected. But knowing Pakistan, there will be a lot of talk, finger-pointing, but nothing will happen to bring the real perpetrators to justice in this heinous crime.

It is about time the Pakistani authorities put a band-aid on that sorry excuse of the gash they call their mouth, and use sign-language instead. Sign-language, at least, requires some action...

Kamran While I share your feelings, I have to say your analysis is completely wrong in every respect. First of all, it was not a publicity stunt or mindless violence. These terrorists have an agenda - they want to establish their interpretation of 'true Islam'. These militant Islamists follow a strategy to force people not to participate in any sort of recreational activities - sports, music, literature, etc. What would happen when you are forced to do nothing? They think people would cling to religion, which is why they are doing it. This attack is a part of a well-coordinated plan.

Is it the end of Pakistani Cricket? Do you think Pakistanis would accept a life without fun? I hope not. Pakistan's international cricket calendar and funding sources will be affected seriously, no doubt. But it is NOT the end. You people need to take a more proactive role in countering those people, whose real influence we have long been ignoring and thus creating a leviathan.

A terrible occurence and a sad, sad day. The only bright side is that no cricketers or officials were killed, but my heart goes out to the families of the innocent vicitims who were murdered in this terrible, cowardly act.

To Bouncer and many others, you do not need to apologise. The world realises that this has nothing to do with the average, long suffering, Pakistani. And Bouncer, I do think of Pakistani cricket with fondness, especially growing up and discovering this game in the 1980s when Pakistan regularly toured Australia with such great players.

As for Abbasi, I can't believe it's as simple as 'I was wrong'. Abbasi, and others, have basically called Australia a nation of cowards and accused the players of all types of motives. This was not an issue one could afford to be wrong with. Australia meant Pakistan no disrespect, the players just didn't want to die, and I think the VERY LEAST Abassi should have done is apologise for his vitriolic, insulting and WRONG comments

the bit im struggling to understand is who this attack was meant to be against. Ok the Sri lankan team was physically hurt, thankfully not mortally, however, Pakistani guards were killed, pakistan cricket is now dead and the pakistan people will now suffer.
sure the attackers are in the news, but at what end, the further isolation of pakistan?
As arsalan points out pakistan is a hospitable nation, but thats not worth much when no-one wants to visit due to the actions of a minority.
I only hope that through adversity, Pakistan finds a solution

Games could go on when there is peace. This ia a sad day and will remain in memory for long. The first objective for Pak should be to terminate all these terrorists who operate in the country with extreme prejudice and make sure there is none left. Adopt a policy of peace with neighbours and the rest of the world instead of dead ideology. Then the games can begin.

I am an Indian...and I am proud to be called an Asian in the company of my illustrious brothers from Pakistan and Sri Lanka. This is not the time to pick up a petty quarrel over something of this magnitude. Cricket has sufferred. Belief of people in this region has sufferred. We should put aside differences that have been brought about by politicians from All our countries and be united. We are all Asian...We are all Brothers

Indeed a sad day for Srilankans as well as Pakitani cricketers. But let us not shift the blame. It is the government of Paksitan to be blamed for whitewashing the world at large about sanctioning terrorism in Mumbai and great cricketer like Imran Khan buying into the lie. I pray that the good will prevail and that all good people of Pakistan will wake up and revolt against this cowardly barbaric act not only in Lahore but also in Mumbai and New Delhi.
And yes I want to see the likes of Majid Khan, Imran Khan, Asif Iqbal play cricket again. They have provided us with tremendous thrils and I do not want to miss next generation of the Pakistani cricketers.

I hope this sad event finally causes Pakistan to have a serious reflection on how it got here. Its support for Taliban and the bleed India policy (while letting surrogates conduct it and with the convenience of ready denials) has in the end started to grip the master itself because Evil has no master, all will be its victims! I hope people of Pakistan hold their politicians, dictators and ISI accountable and eliminate terrorism, including its export.

Dear MR. RAGZ banning cricket in PK will solve problem? If you are suggesting such measures then what is the difference between solving a problem and becoming part of it? Salut to SIRILANKANS you are the bravest souls on earth and to the board of Siri Lanka.

I am an Indian but I am very much & deeply hurt by the cowardly attack on the SriLankans.It was good Indian team did not have to face this,else lot more lives would have lost.I am a great fan of Pak team, since the days of Zaheer Abbas, Imran khan, Javed Miadad,Inzi & my fav Wasim.Akram etc.I still remember when Sunil.Gavaskar had predicted a world cup win for Pak team in 1992 & I had a bet with my friend for Pak win which I won.Sri Lankan team must be saluted for their brave decision to tour Pak when everyone else refused to do so.I was watching India NZ match & I was crying when the news about the bomb was flashed.I was praying to God for the safety of Sri Lankans.And yes we are careless too.We give more security to politicians.If I were the President of Pak,I would have deployed more then one battalian of army & hundreds of commandos for security & would have made this tournament successful.I can only say God save Pak.No chance of seeing any pak matches for at least 20 yrs in Pak.

In adversity comes hope. This is precisely what I sensed after reading this Blog entirely. To be honest I expected ruthless Pakistan bashing after what had happened today but the kind of support and kindness poured on to Pakistanis is simply overwhelming. It simply shows that violence will never prevail and humanity will always stand shoulder to shoulder to defeat this menace. It’s about time we Pakistanis take responsibility and unite as a proud nation to rid our society from this evil. We have to prove it to the world that we are civilized peace loving progressive nation. My deepest sympathies to the families of martyred policemen who have shown the true face of Pakistan. My heartfelt condolences to the Sri Lankan cricketers and their families for going through this hell. Pakistan cricket will overcome this dark hour with time but lets fix our house first.

Peace!

Cricket is a game that unites nations and brings smile to millions of supporters in the sub continent, this incident has not only eliminated pakistan as a host nation but also created doubt abt india and srilanka.

Its a dark day for cricket in the sub continent and the only way to solve this is to make individual governments responsible for the incidents and force them to think of nation first and not their own pockets

The power lies with people of the nation not to elect such corrupt and mindless politicians who cannot see anything but the tinkle of money.

A TRAGIC DAY FOR PAKISTAN AND PAKISTANI CRICKET.
My slute to brave pakistani policemen who gave their lives and protected the lives of the guests.
Well,,, This is not the end, but atleast a tough future is ahead. As for the poor security situation in pakistan, i dont think it has anything to do with that. It was a planned attack and all evidence points towards those who were unhappy with that tour. First they did everything they could to stop Srilanka from touring Pakistan and then ................
And now they would do all the propeganda against pakistan.
The people of Pakistan wont allow these pupits and also their OPERATING HANDS to let go like that. They will eventually face the consiquencies. Thats a promise of Pakistan nation.

I hope this sad event finally causes Pakistan to have a serious reflection on how it got here. Its support for Taliban and the bleed India policy (while letting surrogates conduct it and with the convenience of ready denials) has in the end started to grip the master itself because Evil has no master, all will be its victims! I hope people of Pakistan hold their politicians, dictators and ISI accountable and eliminate terrorism, including its export!

Sadistic, Cowardly and Hasty are the words come to my mind talking about this Terror Attack. Above all the question always troubles me is "What the Hell do these Terrorist want to Prove" Certainly they are not brave or religious as No brave human commits Such cowardly acts and No religion teaches Humans to kill innocent ppl. Every country should give an order to their security forces to Shoot at sight for any terrorist sighted.. No Laws should bound them to be arrested and tested in Courts for years...

This is coward's action. But dont blame the whole country for this. These terrorists are doing one good is that bringing people together who hates terrorism one by one. I am sure India and Pakistana and several other countries burning due to this for decades. And its time now. I am sure Pakistan will raise now to save its image and take stern actions. Your bak is on wall guys. There are some fantastic talents in Pakistan that we want to see more. Dont let destroy all your hard work that you have done to come to this point. Raise your voice and be a leader against to terrorism.

Otherwise you will be an isolated country and loose all that you have and worked hard for..

Even now, you spare one line for the slain policemen, and a hundred for the state of Pakistani cricket. So if it wasn't the Lankan team bus that was targetted, but say, just some average Pakistani spectators, I think you would still be advocating cricket in Pakistan. Get real dood.

have a heart that never fails,
have a touch that never pains,
have a smile that never feds
have a friendship that never ends,,,
best wishes to srilankans and pakistanis... we all r with you..

Kamran-salaams,i trust all well.I am saddened and appalled by recent events.My wishes go out ot the family of the dead.All good people must unite to remove the evil who want to hijack Islam and isolate Pakistan into a failed state.We must wake up and smell the possible reality of the death of Pakistani Cricket.Muslims must understand that simply putting our heads in the sands will no longer be allowed.We need the help of the global community to fight these mutant heretics head on.We should stage the match in a neutral country to show these evil doers that they have not won.This cancer within the muslim world must be treated by radical surgery or it will spread globally,i fear it already has.The primary site is located in KSA.Who will help me in this fight and take a stand against this tyranny.

peace

Matlub Hussain

This may look like an hopeless situation but it is not the end and it may get worse before it gets better. Right thinking pakistanis have to stand up and get counted. The time for silence has long gone. They have to be on the streets, leading the protests, getting their political parties to look at the hard, depressing facts of terror breeding in their backyards in the face and fight it. This is not longer about sports - this is political. Instead of blaming India, US, Israel and any other nation for terror, pakistanis need to look within and stand united against this terror. And they will find many, many allies and friends in these very countries cheering them on. But it is a fight, liberal pakistan has to fight on their own - and win it ! God willing !

R.I.P Pakistan Cricket

Everyone- Lets calm down and take a step back! really asses the situ!Our Sri Lankan Cricketers were inches away from death!with the spraying bullets. We Sri Lankans came as replacements for the Indian cricketers who had legitimate concerns about the security in Pak. First, let us be concerned about the people who lost their lives, secondly let us applaud the Sri Lankan squad that bravely took part in the spirit of the game and took on this tour.Last but not least, let us unite to eradicate this menance of idiots with stone age agendas forever from the face of this earth!

I'll never put down the great Imran Khan, he spoke from his heart, and believed in his words. I was ten when Haniff Mohammed made his famous triple century in Barbados and batted the longest time in test history. I am from Guyana, and always wanted West Indies to win.
Anyway, we love your cricket and always will. You have produced cricketing names that are immortal. And we (from the West Indies, Guyana, U.S. etc,) are all with you at this sad time. As a nation, we love you, but not your corrupt politicians.
Let's use this nasty and inhumane act to unite and make a loving world for all. Cricket will never be the same without you. We need THE CONTINUATION OF PAKISTANI CRICKET, and all Pakistanis as our brothers and sisters. You bleed and cry, we do the same, and we pray for you.
Our condolences to the families of those brave officers and other victims. Let's become a force for truth, inshallah. My e.mail is puneedispenser@bellsouth.net.
Peace
Patanjali
Miami, Florida.

It was not long ago that the great Imran Khan proclaimed that cricket would never be targeted directly by terror elements. This was a very prevalent sentiment. We have been given a rude...no..a shocking awakening. I am a cricket loving fan from India, but I share the shock and dismay that millions of my brothers in pakistan feel. Of Course there is going to be a lot of fingerpointing, and political bickering by both governments. But the honest truth is that this is a big loss for not only pakistan but for every cricket loving fan in the world and all the cricketing nations.
Let us hope that strength and unity prevails, and the perpetuators of these cowardly act fade away into oblivion...for if we lose HOPE ...then we have nothing.

I can't describe how I feel, we as a Pakistani has lost dignity and our politician (bunch of idiots) are still thriving for power and money.

We have to blame our self for electing those people who have interest in money and power.
For how long we as a nation remain silent and just see these things happen in front of us............

let us join hands together to sweep off terrorism from the universe so that more cricket matches can be played worldwide

let us join hands together to sweep off terrorism from the universe so that more cricket matches can be played worldwide

Just to say no to these politicians and to the people (We) who elect these corrupt and culprit rulers, who has nothing more to do but to fill their own pockets and to sell their self-respect and honor of the country, say Yes to cricket and yes to Pakistan

wake up my people wake up,

YOU SAW WHO RULED THE WORLD

and we will rule the world InshaAllah once again.

Arjuna Ranathunga is the one who is answerable to the Sri Lankan Cricketers. He was the one who organised this tour just to show his anger against the Indian board. It is a sad day for Pakistan.

Hi Every one, I am an Indian and loved to watch cricket ever since at the age 7. Now I am 45, and I am deeply shocked and saddened this incident. My best prayers to the police men and the civilian who protect the SL team. My sincere, request to all DO NOT BLAME Pakistan. Instead, work against the terrorist. People of Pakistanis are innocent. It is the responsible of politician turns Pakistan as terrorist place. We all united and support both side of the cricket and find a solution to tackle the situation rather than finger pointing or isolating Pakistan from the rest of the cricketing world. I feel, without Pakistan, cricket is not interesting. I hope, please post your view to find some solutions for removing terrorism.

Thanks for reading

P.Palanivelu
Singapore

First I am very sorry for Pakistan policemen and people who were died because of this unfortunate incident as well as Sri Lanka cricket team members and civilians who got injured form this unfortunate incident. I have to say there was big drought about security. If you have some kind of terrorist threat like this you have to more organize and should provide more strong securities. You should think about every thing.

I am highly disappointed about followings.

• We all know there was big threat from terrorist. I strongly believe there should be highly trained commandos or highly trained military people instead of policemen.

• Unfortunately main concern is after this attracts Pakistani policemen unable to catch or kill those terrorists.

Any way I would like to say Pakistan cricket never going to end. ‘Such a great cricket team’. Don’t worry, Time will solve every thing. First we all have to fight against terrorism and destroy the terrorism. Then any where we can play cricket or any thing.
As a Sri Lankan’s in the past we were with you, in future also we will be with you.

its a hopeless situation we are in now and as kamran said this is the end. God knows what is next for us but a true fact we wont see any international sporting event for next 2 to 3 years. to be precise we are doomed.
GOD SAVE PAKISTAN!!!!

I wonder why there were no security personnel on the ground in the vicinity of Gaddafi Stadium. As this incident happened very close to the stadium its shameful for the Security Bosses who thought giving Police escort to the visiting team is enough security. These cowards were able to hide behind the trees, right in front of the stadium and no security outside the stadium, and all these animals managed to escape comfortably without even getting hurt, what a shame on Security organizers, they need to be hanged for letting the whole nation down. Giving few statements of regret is not enough compensation for the bravery of Sri Lankan team and the ones who gave their lives because of these idiot security chiefs.

I think PCB should hold matches at neutral venues, i read UK sports minister has offered Pakistan to hold their home series in England. Tours of visiting countries should be converted as their home series, and Pakistan be visiting them.
- For revenue generation of PCB, ICC should consider some formula of revenue sharing for neutral venue series.
-Government of Pakistan should also take care of major chunk of PCB expenses.

Owais

Knowing the people of Pakistan as I do, as demonstrated by the brave and determined cricket teams that have visited Australia I would not be surprised if this terrible event proves to be the beginning of the end for terrorism in Pakistan - from my observations of the Pakistan national character there comes a time when enough is enough and that is when matters get sorted - I think that this time has come and as such you have the fullest support of all Aussies

Yesterday I was watching the match between India and New Zealand online via cricinfo.com and when I went to the main page to check out what was going on in the match between PAK & SL I was completely shocked and stunned when I saw the breaking news about this unfortunate incident. My deepest condolences for those who laid their lives in the barbaric attack and my greatest gratitude to the SRI LANKAN TEAM for accepting the invitation to play in PAKISTAN. I, being a Kashmiri am a biggest fan of both cricket teams equally and I hope relations between both countries will remain the same or even will get stronger. Let us all unite against this VIRUS of terrorism and fight it together. I hope our SRI LANKAN brothers and sister would understand that it's a propaganda to undermine the dignity and integrity of PAKISTAN as being a peace & sports loving nation. And for all those who think this is the end, are wrong because it will give a sense of victory to those who planned this despicable attck

I feel very sorry, as a Pakistani
But.... one should never lose hope, 2011 World Cup will also be played in Pakistan
& I am 99.90% sure, the attacker were not Pakistanis

World Cricket Fans; Sorry Again, we are not that what you think…
And Best of Luck to Pakistan

The most shamefull day in the history of International Cricket and The darkest day for entire cricket lovers, Cricket is a game that makes the world, a family it certainly dont deserve such incidents, when any cricketer go to play outside for representing his country leaving their family, their home, their people behind he is entitled to a great respact, Sri Lankan steped in to tour Pakistan when almost every team refused to go there including India and see they are the one passing through tremendous trauma rightnow they certainly did not deserve this, why dont terrorists understand that they can not beat cricket by anything, Cricket is more than a game its religion for someone like me and many more like me, the more they try to hurt the more it gets built up strongly. My Salute to Lankan team and sympathy as for them as well as for those who died in this attack and a message to those who made it happen that YOU WON'T BE FORGIVEN AND THERE IS NO ESCAPE FOR YOU.

100% security failure, instead of providing security to the team Punjab government was providing security to MPA and MNAs [politicians] and believe me this would not change until Mr. 10% is there :), this act is not done by Taliban, i can bet politics involved in this issue. no terrorists in pakistan, pakistan army killing their own countrymen to get money from USA and to prove them that USA need pak army. Bloody Musharaf brought someone else war in his own country, and bloody people will again select Mr 10% [Zardari] and Sharif. Pakistan needs a revolution, simply kill these parasites and believe me from very next day no bomb blast no terror. Anyhow my feelings are with Srilankan players.

It has been a very sad day for Pakistan and cricket in Pakistan. My sympathies go to the guest players we couldn't host safely and to the policemen who lost their lives. In the short term, there will be no international cricket in Pakistan, and rightly so. In the long term, we should be more optimistic. The perpetrators must be punished severely and no stone should be left unturned in destroying them and their network completely - they are a scourge to the world! Very sad for Pakistani cricket though ... I, and millions others, are heart-broken!

Even before this attack no one is willing to visit Pakistan except srilanka(now they may not).I am no conspiracy theorist, and I get a feeling that this attack was not meant to kill the Sri Lankans, only to send a strong warning to someone (who? IPL?- Your guess is as good as mine). If 12 heavily armed, well trained terrorists attack a bus using AK 47s, RPGs and grenades, and have enough time to make a successful getaway without a single casualty of their own, they most often cause more than 'minor and non significant' injuries to their targets.
Poor Imran khan made a statement in October guaranteeing that the terrorists would never attack cricketers because that will turn the public mood against them. He misjudged either the public mood or the terrorists' motives (or perhaps both).

I feel sorry for the srilamkan cricketers.

Hi,
What happened here on tuesday can be termed as 9/11 incident in the history of cricket or to be more comprehensive it was 3/3. It was something that shook all the cricket lovers of the World and the worst part, it occured ina country having large number of cricket fans.Now every team is saying "We will not go to Pakistan". What about us where should we go? After this i consider myself a brave person who is surviving in the country where no one dares to come even. My eyes are now focussed on IPL as it could be another victim of terrorist attack. We have already seen terrorist attacks in Mumbai.

From Australia, our deepest sympathies to all cricket lovers in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. And lets not forget the sacrifice made by those brave security men - I think a Sri Lanka-Pakistan benefit match to help their families would be a good idea.

We haven't seen a Pakistani team in Australia for a while. Since we can't tour there, how long before they can tour here?

for me and all cricket lover it was horrible, that what happen,Roshan Mahanama said yesterday that its not fair that we leave alone the pak cricket,we should collectedly build Pakistan and PCB against this terrorism,one says this is the end of pak cricket ,i think so its not fair with pak cricket and with all pak cricket lover

I am so glad the SL team are alive, had anyone died, that truly would have been 'The End'.

I understand what Kamran is portaying, I feel it too. Acute embarrassment to be a Pakistani today - will we find the terrorists? Doubt it.

Just imagine it had been Dhoni & Tendulkar being shot at - we would be in the midst of a war - and fair do's.

These Sri Lankans are really very honourable.

RIP to the dead heroes.

As the great Imran Khan said, the security was inadequate, or deliberately soften up or just careless. whatever it may, its a grave concern for our beloved Sri Lankan Cricket team and the policeman who laid down their lives in protecting them. in my view the best VIP security is in Sri Lanka, we see it every day, it may be a pain, but effective, I strongly believe when Sri Lankan cricketers left for Pakistan , at least some of Sri Lankan security personal should have been with them. But still this may be possible, but not in this scale. My heart goes to all our brave cricketers, and the supporting staff and last but not least the bravemen you had to pay the ultimate price. But never think for a moment that cricketing spirit will die, it will survive, even without us.

I feel very sad for the poor police men and their families who lost their lives. I hope Govt will suspend CCPO and IG Punjab Police. Don’t understand there is more security for a normal MNA / MPA and even for IG police but only few ordinary police men without enough automatic weapons for the guest teams. It is Punjab Government responsible for unable to protect our guests. It is going to be very hard to repair the damage for Pakistan but congratulations to India on their Diplomatic success in cricket as well. Good timing for the attack, just few weeks from the elections. Let’s see who get the most out of it?

I'm posting from Sri Lanka. Well first off, my deepest sympathies to the policemen who lost their lives in an attempt to save the Sri Lankan team from further harm. I think everyone will forever be grateful to the driver of that bus as well for saving the lives of the players.

It is very sad that Pakistan cricket has been left in ruins after this attack and it hardly seems fair as well. I do fervently hope that things will improve in that country for the better and that cricket is revived there.

Finally, my thoughts must go out to the Sri Lankan cricket team for taking that tour when no one else would and also to the families of the players who had suffered so much trauma in the wake of these events.

As Asians we must stick together and on behalf of most other Sri Lankans, I would like to say that our hand will still be extended in friendship towards Pakistan and its people despite the terrible events on the 3rd of March.

-Sam

Now we know terrorists cannot be equated with freedom fighters,even if their motives are reasonable their methods are down right despicable.Their wanting rights looses all credibility when they do not care about others' rights.And the lines between the bad ones and the so called "good ones" blur as they have an intricate network and feed off each others' "exploits".