ICC: Terror attack may threaten future tours

Published on Tuesday 3 March 2009 14:41

INTERNATIONAL Cricket Council president David Morgan admitted "there will be reluctance" on the part of the sport's leading nations to tour Pakistan after the terrorist attack on the Sri Lanka team.

Morgan is hopeful Pakistan will be declared a fit country to stage Tests and one-day internationals before long, but stressed the safety of touring teams must be the priority.

Sri Lanka have abandoned their tour of the country, with today's attack coming ahead of the scheduled third day of the second Test.

Thilan Samaraweera and Tharanga Paranavitana were hospitalised after gunmen struck as the team bus made its way to the Gaddafi Stadium.

Captain Mahela Jayawardene, vice-captain Kumar Sangakkara, Ajantha Mendis, Suranka Lakmal and Chaminda Vaas also sustained lesser injuries as well as assistant coach Paul Farbrace, while at least five policemen were killed.

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat confirmed fourth umpire Ehsan Raza, who was shot in the attacks, remained in a "critical condition" in a Lahore hospital.

Morgan claims the ICC were given assurances about the safety of cricketers travelling to Pakistan.

"On many occasions we were told cricket would not be targeted in Pakistan," Morgan said.

"This morning's events prove that incorrect."

He stressed: "I believe cricket must go on.

"I think it was important England returned to India (in December) after the Mumbai bombings.

"But we have to provide the safest possible environment for cricket to be played.

"I believe the situation as it is currently stands in Pakistan is such that there will be reluctance for cricketers to wish to return there.

"But the current situation need not perpetuate way into the future."

Speaking at a Lord's press conference, Morgan said: "Today is an extremely sad day for cricket, for cricketers and people in general. A sad day for mankind.

"The events this morning in Pakistan can only be described as shocking.

"We send sympathies to relatives of those who lost their lives."

Lorgat confirmed the match officials, other than Raza, had been flown out of Sri Lanka and were due to arrive in Abu Dhabi.

Lorgat said of Raza: "He is in Lahore in an intensive care unit."