Cricket South Africa Reacts To Lahore Attack

Cricket South Africa Reacts To Lahore Attack

A Pakistan army helicopter carrying the Sri Lankan team is seen leaving the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

©REUTERS/Mohsin Raza (PAKISTAN) Picture Supplied by Action Images

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has extended its sympathy to the victims of the Lahore attack that left policemen among the dead and Sri Lankan players injured close the Gaddafi Stadium.

“It was with great shock and sadness that I heard of the attack on the Sri Lankan team in Pakistan,” Dr Mtutuzeli Nyoka, president of CSA said.

“CSA would like to convey its sympathies to all the victims and condolences to the families of the Pakistani policemen who were killed.

“Cricket is an instrument of peace and justice, and a catalyst for harmony among nations. The players, who were shot, were ambassadors of these noble causes, and CSA therefore condemns, in the strongest possible terms, this crime on innocent people.”

CSA Chief Executive Officer Gerald Majola added: “This is a dastardly deed and will have a negative impact on world cricket. We need to address security issues as a matter of urgency. We have to achieve that balance between keeping cricket progressing and securing the safety of our players and spectators.”

Graeme Smith, national captain, described how yesterday's 162-run loss at the hands of Australia had been put into perspective by events in Pakistan.

“The word tragedy is often used to describe a setback on a sporting field but this is a real tragedy," he said. "It is a tragedy for all the people of Pakistan and Sri Lanka, it is a tragedy for cricket and it is a tragedy for all decent people.

“There is a tremendous brotherhood between players around the world and at this moment the South African team extends its sympathy to all those who have been affected by this terrible event.

“We are hurting after our defeat yesterday but this puts into perspective what real suffering is. Our thoughts are with the players and we hope that they arrive home safely to their families.”

© Cricket World 2009

Get the latest from from Cricket World® with Facebook, twitter and YouTube.