Pakistan probe seeks Sri Lankan statements

A Pakistan commission investigating last month's deadly ambush of Sri Lanka's cricket team today requested evidence from the touring players, a court official said.

Justice Shabbar Rizvi recorded statements from local officials, journalists and the owner of a shopping centre near where up to 12 attackers assaulted the Sri Lankan team bus in the eastern city of Lahore.

"After that the tribunal asked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Foreign Office to get recorded statements from the Sri Lankan players," a court official told AFP.

Last week PCB officials, including chairman Ijaz Butt, gave evidence to the one-man judicial commission.

Gunmen ambushed the Sri Lankan team bus en route to the stadium to play the third day of the second Test against Pakistan on March 3, killing eight Pakistanis and wounding seven tourists and their assistant coach.

The Sri Lankan players were later plucked to safety by military helicopter from the Gaddafi stadium and flown home the same day.

Up to 12 attackers armed with grenades and assault rifles ambushed the Sri Lankan team bus in downtown Lahore, exchanged fire with security forces and then calmly walked away unhindered.

Police rounded up dozens of people in connection with the attacks, but have yet to announce any breakthrough on who was responsible.

The attacks cast serious doubt on Pakistan's chances of hosting international sport for the foreseeable future.