Bleak outlook for Pakistan cricket

The future of international cricket in Pakistan is looking bleak after a terror attack on the Sri Lanka team in Lahore left seven players injured.

Thilan Samaraweera and Tharanga Paranavitana were hospitalised after gunmen struck as the team bus made its way to the Gaddafi Stadium ahead of the third day of the second Test.

Captain Mahela Jayawardene, vice-captain Kumar Sangakkara, Ajantha Mendis, Suranka Lakmal and Chaminda Vaas also sustained lesser injuries as well as assistant coach Paul Farbrace, while at least five policemen were killed.

Some reports suggest two bystanders were also killed.

It was the first Test series to be played in the country in 14 months after Australia withdrew from a tour last year because of security concerns amid the unrest which followed the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

The Champions Trophy, which had been due to take place in Pakistan in September last year, was also postponed, while India's proposed tour was also cancelled because of strained relations between the two nations.

The remainder of the present tour was immediately cancelled in the wake of the attacks and New Zealand are now expected to call off their scheduled visit in November.

International Cricket Council president David Morgan told the BBC: "Things will have to change dramatically in Pakistan, in my opinion, if any of the (World Cup) games are to be staged there."

Pakistan are co-hosts of the 2011 World Cup, with one of the semi-finals scheduled for the Gaddafi Stadium.