Terrorist Attack on Sri Lanka Cricket Team:
Today marks March 3rd, a date remembered as a dark day by cricket fans in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Sixteen years ago, on this very day, both teams scheduled a cricket match in Lahore. Yet, the terror plans were unimaginably grim. This day, terrorists played a bloody game on Lahore’s streets.
They targeted the Sri Lankan players, and yet, fortunately, the team escaped unharmed. It was thanks to the bravery and wit of the bus driver who managed to save the players. Some players did suffer minor injuries, but tragically, the attack claimed the lives of 8 people, including 6 Pakistani police officers.
Source: aajtak
After the attack, teams worldwide avoided visiting Pakistan. Fortunately, normalcy has returned, evidenced by the hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 currently underway in Pakistan — the nation's first ICC tournament since 1996.
The tournament has reached its knockout rounds with 8 teams participating, 4 of which are now semifinalists: India, New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia.
Nonetheless, there remains a looming threat during this Champions Trophy. Pakistan's Intelligence Bureau (PIB) issued an alert warning that the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) allegedly plans to target foreign spectators in Pakistan.
Source: aajtak
A Brutal Attack on the Sri Lankan Team's Bus in Lahore:
Let us revisit the chilling details of the onslaught that shook the cricketing world. Early in 2009, the Sri Lankan team toured Pakistan for a two-match Test series. The first match, played in Karachi from February 21 to 25, ended in a draw. The second was set for March 1 to 5 in Lahore, a memory etched deep due to the terrorist attack.
On the third day of the second Test, as the Sri Lankan team traveled from their hotel to Gaddafi Stadium, masked terrorists launched an assault on their bus. Among the injured were Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Ajantha Mendis, Thilan Samaraweera, Tharanga Paranavitana, and Chaminda Vaas.
The attack claimed the lives of 8, including 6 Pakistani police officers. Miraculously, the quick-thinking driver, Meher Mohammad Khalil, drove the team to safety amidst heavy gunfire, saving the lives of all onboard. The Sri Lankan team abruptly ended their tour and returned home.
Source: aajtak
In just 20 minutes, Khalil safely transported the team to Gaddafi Stadium, an extraordinary act of courage that saved lives. Post-attack, the Sri Lankan players were airlifted from the stadium to the airport. Khalil received commendation from Sri Lanka's President for his bravery.
Terrorists first aimed their assault on the bus, opening with gunfire followed by a rocket launch. Fortunately, the rocket missed its target. The bus was also attacked with a hand grenade, but before it could detonate, the bus safely passed over it.
