Thu, March 05, 2009
INTRO: Members of the Sri Lankan cricket team who came under attack from Pakistani gunmen arrive home.
MOREINFO: At least eight people were killed in the attack in Lahore, six of the dead are police. Pakistani people are concerned that the attacks will prevent people from coming to the country. In the wake of the attacks New Zealand's cricket team have announced that they may not tour Pakistan and play the series in a neutral venue.
SCRIPT:
Sri Lankan cricketers back on home ground.
Their return comes after an attack on their coach by Pakistani gunmen in Lahore.
At least eight people were killed, six were Pakistani police.
Six members of this team and a British coach were also wounded.
(SOUNDBITE) (Sinhala) SRI LANKAN SPINNER, MUTTIAH MURALITHARAN, SAYING:
"We all got scared. At that time all that I could think of is who got shot and who didn't. It is the driver of the bus who saved us."
In Pakistan, a memorial had been set up by the site of the attacks.
It was here where gunmen hurled grenades and fired AK-47s and rockets.
People here are worried about their country's future.
(SOUNDBITE) (Urdu) RESIDENT OF LAHORE, SEMUEL KHOKHAR, SAYING:
"Now no foreigners will visit here. And when they don't visit, there will be no business here."
With the attacks in mind, New Zealand's cricket team have announced it is unlikely they'll tour Pakistan.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) NEW ZEALAND CRICKET CEO, JUSTIN VAUGHAN SAYING:
" I think considering the events of the last day the New Zealand team playing in Pakistan seems very unlikely."
If there decision goes ahead they will join India and Australia who also refuse to tour in the country.
Police in Pakistan are hunting the gunmen behind the attack.
Basmah Fahim, Reuters.
