Gunmen attack S Lanka cricketers - National News Updates

At least five members of the Sri Lankan cricket team have been injured in a shooting incident in the Pakistani city of Lahore, a Sri Lankan minister says.

The incident happened when unidentified gunmen fired on a convoy carrying Sri Lankan and Pakistani cricketers.

Pakistani officials said about 12 gunmen were involved and grenades and rocket launchers were recovered from the scene.

At least five policemen have been killed in the attack, police say.

Sri Lanka Sports Minister Gamini Lokuge told the BBC that early reports indicated that the injuries to five players and a coach were minor.

Sri Lankan media reports said two of the players including Thilan Samaraweera, who scored a double century in the ongoing Test match, have been taken to hospital.

"Five [of our] cricketers have injuries, but they are OK. But the players are shocked. They have never gone through anything like this before," former Sri Lankan player Sanath Jayasuriya told an Indian news channel on the phone from Colombo.

The BBC's Barbara Plett in Islamabad says the gunmen opened fire on the Sri Lankan team bus which was on its way to the Gaddafi stadium, venue for a Test match between the two sides.

The third day of play in the Second Test was scheduled to begin, but officials said the match has now been cancelled.

"It appears that our team bus was targeted on the way to the match. It appears that four of our cricketers have been injured and taken to the hospital," a Sri Lankan cricket official told an Indian TV channel from Colombo.

TV pictures showed two gunmen with backpacks on the road where the incident happened.

The police said grenades and rocket launchers had been found at the site of the incident.

An eyewitness told Reuters news agency that three policemen and a traffic warden had been killed in the incident.

Shop owner Ahmed Ali said two policemen had been driving behind the team bus when the attack happened.

"It was a very heavy firing and I heard at least two explosions at the time," an eyewitness told Reuters.

Pakistani invited Sri Lanka to tour after India's cricket team pulled out of a scheduled cricket tour following the deadly November attacks in the western Indian city of Mumbai.

Our correspondent says the incident will come as a big blow to Pakistan cricket. India and Australia have pulled out of cricket tours to the country in the recent past citing security concerns.

Firing at cricket stadium at lahore, 7 players injured - National News Updates

In an incident which could have turned many fears to reality, the convoy of Sri Lankan cricket team was attacked by unidentified gunmen at Gaddafi stadium in Lahore. At least 12 gunmen have been reported to be involved in the attack.

Seven players of the Sri Lankan cricket team have been injured. Five policemen who were trying to shield the van carrying the cricketers have been killed in the encounter.

Four of the cricket players are seriously injured - Thilan Samaraweera, Kumar Sangakara, Ajanta Mendis and Tharanga Paranavithana.

The gunfire is reported to have continued for 25 minutes. Two bombs were also thrown at the convoy.

The police surrounded the van carrying the cricketers. The gunmen had heavy ammunition including rocket launchers also.

Failure to analyse the situation cost us, says Dhoni - National News Updates

Christchurch: M.S. Dhoni, the Indian captain, cited his side’s failure to analyse the situation while batting as the reason for the seven-wicket defeat in the first Twenty20 International here on Wednesday.

“One area we need to improve upon is analysing the situation,” said Dhoni. “I think most of the batsmen batted well and were looking in good nick. But the mistake we committed was that we went with the momentum. At times you have to analyse whether you are happy with the extra 25 runs or get to a total your bowlers can defend.”

Added Dhoni: “It’s very important to realise where the game is going and what your contribution can be. Whenever you go after the bowlers for big shots there is risk involved. It looks very good but you have to realise what a safe score is on that kind of wicket.”

Dhoni, however, stressed that his side would learn from the error.

“One thing for sure is we have learnt a lot from our mistakes,” he said. “We are a good side that learns very quickly. ”

Dhoni also had praise for his bowlers. “The bowlers did a fantastic job, especially Harbhajan Singh, who played after a long time. Same way, Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma contributed and bowled well.”

Pleased

Daniel Vettori was understandably chuffed with New Zealand’s day. “There are number of aspects I was pleased with,” said Vettori.

“Obviously we were put under immense pressure at the start. The way bowlers responded to it, and the way they restricted a destructive team like India to 160-odd was excellent. And then in the chase, Brendon McCullum was the rock, and Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor and Jacob Oram played around him.”

Cricket: The Great Dhoni Effect

A Boy from Jharkhand  is now deciding fate of skippers all across the globe J  , yes he is Mr  Dhoni…..  J
 

 


Australia came to India , "Got thrashed" - Ponting is rested for first time
 
 
 

 
 

England Came to India and unceremoniously K Peterson got sacked

 

India went to Sri Lanka and Jayawardane announced his resignation from the helm.
 



 

NOW, India is going to New Zealand.




Is it VETTORI's Turn Now!!!

New-look outfit for Indian ODI team - National News Updates

Mumbai: Nike India, official apparel partner of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), launched the Indian cricket team’s new ‘dry-fit technology’ kit for One-Day Internationals.

The team will be seen in action in the new kit with a tricolour design on a bold blue background during the five match series against New Zealand.

“The dry-fit fabric has excellent moisture management technology,” said Mr. Tarun Puri, Managing Director and General Manager, Nike India.

Sahara India, which has been with the BCCI for 14 years, is also pleased with the new kit. “I liked the new colour. The blue shade has been the same for many years,” said Abhijet Sarckar, Head (Corporate Communications), Sahara India Pariwar.

“It’s time for a change and it’s nice. Hopefully the Indian team will give its best shot and return with a couple of trophies from New Zealand,” said skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Dhoni, Zaheer Khan, Dinesh Karthik, Pragyan Ojha, Rohit Sharma and Yuvraj Singh walked the ramp displaying the new kit.

Former India cricketers Laxman Sivaramakrishan (1985), Venkatesh Prasad (1996), Vinod Kambli (1997) and Robin Singh (1999) appeared on the ramp wearing the blue colours of their time.

Compere Harsha Bhogle asked Dhoni about the secret behind his capacity and also keeping his calm on the field.

“Expressing frustration doesn’t contribute to the team. The player knows he has made a mistake. I do it in a personal way, talking to the player in the dressing room.”

“Ask Dhoni” was the refrain Yuvraj was asked if he’s happy and comfortable at No. 4 in batting order. “Well, as long as he performs, I am,” said Dhoni.

Pathan brothers' blitz powers India win

Seems it was a brothers' day out on Tuesday. After Michael and David Hussey scripted Australia's win against New Zealand, India's Pathan brothers -Yusuf and Irfan - snatched a 3-wicket win from Sri Lankan jaws in the one-off T20 match.

Chasing 172 runs, Pathan brothers combined after India were reeling at 115 for 7. They added unbeaten 59 runs in just 4.1 overs with Irfan contributing 33 runs and Yusuf adding 22 runs. Apart from their batting excellence, the brothers shone with the ball as well. Yusuf picked two wickets and Irfan took one. And the elder brother was rightly chosen the 'Man of the Match'.

India VS Srilanka.

Srilanka won the match.