Series cancelled

New Delhi: Sri Lanka's tour of Pakistan was cancelled on Tuesday after about 12 unidentified gunmen opened fire and injured the visiting players, including Kumar Sangakkara, Thilan Samaraweera and Ajantha Mendis near the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore this morning.

Seven to eight Sri Lankan players are believed to have received bullet wounds after the gunmen surrounded their team bus and opened fire while they were on their way to the stadium. Wednesday was the third day of the second Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Two of the players are believed to be seriously injured, according to the security officer of the Gaddafi stadium.

According to GEO TV, five policemen who were part of the security ring for the Sri Lankan players were killed on the spot, while two died in the hospital.

Apart from firing at the team, even grenades were lobbed at the Lankan team bus and rocket launchers were reportedly used.

The security in-charge of the Gaddafi stadium was also quoted as saying that some Sri Lankan players were still inside the stadium and that star spinner Muttiah Muralitharan was safe.

The Lankan team media manager said the team taken to high security zone.

Cricinfo's Sri Lanka editor Charlie Austin said there was some explosion before the firing started. He also said that skipper Mahela Jayawardene had also been hit in his ankle.

Chaminda Vaas was also injured and he was seen being taken on a stretcher.

The Pakistan team has been stopped from reaching Gadaffi and are being taken back to the hotel.

According to reports reaching here, the area has been cordoned off and Kalashnikovs have been recovered from the spot.

courtesy; www.cricketnext.com