On march 3 last year, gunmen opened fire at the bus carrying SL cricketers in Lahore. almost a year later, we look back at what could have been the game's biggest tragedy
On march 3 last year, gunmen opened fire at the bus carrying SL cricketers in Lahore. almost a year later, we look back at what could have been the game's biggest tragedy
According to the officials, 12 gunmen ambushed the bus near Liberty Garden in central Lahore and began firing at the bus. They even launched a rocket at the back of the bus but missed. The gunmen were armed with Kalashnikovs, hand grenade and rocked launchers and were moving in pairs.
ADVERTISEMENT
The gunmen also fired blindly at the police van which was leading the convoy. Several policemen succumbed to the bullets immediately.
Several Sri Lankan cricketers suffered shrapnel wounds and Thilan Samaraweera and Tharanga Parnavitana sustained major injuries. The bus was being fired from all directions and the driver, Meher Khalil accelerated the bus towards Gaddafi Stadium.
The gunmen then targeted the minibus that was carrying the umpires and match officials.
The driver, Mohammad Zafar died and there was no one to drive the minivan to safety.
A police officer entered the minivan but refused to drive the minivan at first according to match referee Stuart Broad and took to the wheel at his insistence.
Reserve umpire Ahsan Raza was hit by a bullet in the back and was bleeding profusely. He was in critical condition for some time.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan team, which did not leave with the Sri Lankan team, as was the case on the first two days of the Test match, was asked to stay put at the hotel.
The bus carrying the Sri Lankan team entered the Gaddafi Stadium and a Pakistan Air Force helicopter took them to the airport from the stadium. Arrangements were made for them to take the first available flight to Colombo. The Test, which was the last match of the tour, was abandoned as a draw.
None of the gunmen were killed while they shot down six policemen and two civilians. Television footage also showed the shooting mercilessly at policemen lying on the ground.
The security in place was heavily criticised and many also raised the issue of the Pakistan team not traveling with the visiting side hinting that someone was aware of the gunmen's plan and rescheduled Pakistan team's departure from the hotel.
Av investigation committee was set up and they found that the three Superintendents of police ignored initial warning.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
