Seventeen years ago, on March 3, 2009, international cricket witnessed one of its darkest chapters when the Sri Lankan cricket team was attacked by terrorists in Pakistan. The incident not only shook the global sporting community but also brought international cricket in Pakistan to a prolonged halt.

The attack occurred during Sri Lanka’s tour of Pakistan for a Test series. The second Test match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka was being played at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium from March 1 to 5. On the morning of March 3, while the Sri Lankan team was travelling by bus from their hotel to the stadium under heavy police escort, armed assailants ambushed the convoy.

Heavily Armed Assault on Team Convoy

According to official reports, around a dozen masked terrorists opened fire using AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and hand grenades. The sudden and coordinated assault left security personnel scrambling to respond.

In the midst of chaos, bus driver Mohammad Khalil displayed extraordinary courage. Despite sustained gunfire, he accelerated the vehicle and drove directly into the stadium premises, preventing what could have been a far greater tragedy.

Eight people, primarily security officials, lost their lives in the attack.

Players Injured in the Firing

Several Sri Lankan players sustained injuries during the assault. Among those hurt were captain Mahela Jayawardene, vice-captain Kumar Sangakkara, Thilan Samaraweera, Tharanga Paranavitana, Suranga Lakmal and Ajantha Mendis.

Sangakkara was grazed by a bullet on his shoulder, while Jayawardene suffered a bullet wound near his ankle. Samaraweera sustained one of the more serious injuries after being hit in the thigh.

The match was immediately abandoned, and the entire series was called off. The Sri Lankan team was airlifted back to Colombo under tight security.

Impact on Global Cricket

The attack marked the first direct targeting of an international sports team since the tragic events of the 1972 Munich Olympics. Its consequences were profound. International cricket in Pakistan was suspended for nearly a decade, with the Pakistan team forced to host its home matches in the United Arab Emirates.

Over time, security conditions improved and international teams gradually resumed touring Pakistan. However, the scars of March 3, 2009 remain etched in cricket history as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by global sporting events.