Farbrace injured in terrorist attack

PAUL Farbrace, former Kent coach and currently assistant coach to the Sri Lankan national team, has been injured in the terrorist attack in Lahore this morning.

Farbrace (pictured) suffered a shrapnel wound to his shoulder and was one of 6 members of the touring party to be injured when gunmen opened fire on the Sri Lankan team bus on route to the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore for the third day of their second Test against Pakistan.

Kent Professional Cricket Manager, Simon Willis, was able to speak to Paul Farbrace after the incident and Willis confirmed that the injury suffered by Farbrace was not life-threatening.

Captain Mahela Jayawardene, Ajantha Mendis, Kumar Sangakkara, Thilan Samaraweera and Tharanga Paranavitana were also injured.

Sri Lanka were only in Pakistan as a replacement for India after the Indian Government had barred their cricketers from touring Pakistan following the terror attacks in Mumbai last November.

A statement issued by Sri Lanka Cricket stated: ’The Sri Lankan Test team faced a brutal attack this morning en-route to the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Official reports have confirmed that five players and a member of the coaching staff have been injured.

’The attack also left 6 Pakistani security personnel and two civilians dead, but officials have also confirmed that all Sri Lankan players and staff are out of danger and will be leaving Pakistan as soon as possible.’

ICC match referee Chris Broad, umpires Simon Taufel and Steve Davis and TV umpire Nadeem Chauri were unhurt although the driver of their vehicle was killed by gunfire and the officials were driven to safety by a local policeman.

ICCChief Executive Haroon Lorgat said: ’We note with dismay and regret the events of this morning in Lahore and we condemn this attack without reservation.

’I have confirmed with both member boards that the remainder of the tour has been cancelled and we are working hard to get our match officials out of the area as safely and as quickly as possible.’

The ECB issued a statement that read: ’The ECB is shocked and saddened by the senseless attack on the Sri Lankan cricketers and match officials by terrorists in Lahore today. Our thoughts are with the families of those who have been killed or injured in this despicable attack.

’The ECB has also been in touch with both boards, the ICC and the Sri Lankan team to offer their thoughts and condolences to those involved.’

Picture courtesy of Terry Mahoney.