Ponting Talks Of Shock Over Lahore Attacks

Ponting Talks Of Shock Over Lahore Attacks

Australian captain Ricky Ponting.

©REUTERS/Punit Paranjpe (INDIA) Picture Supplied by Action Images

Australian captain Ricky Ponting has spoken about the tragic events in Lahore, where seven Sri Lankan players were injured during an attack by masked gunmen.

Ponting, whose Australian team withdrew from a planned 2008 tour of Pakistan due to fears over the security situation, said that the events have affected players all over the world.

“On behalf of the Australian cricket team I would like to express our deepest condolences to those who have been affected by the tragic events in Pakistan this morning. An act of violence like this is a terrible thing and when it involves those who are part of our cricketing family, players the world over are affected.

"The wider cricketing community has been shocked by what has occurred and our thoughts and full support is with those involved."

He added that members of the Australian squad, currently in South Africa following their 162-run in the first Test in Johannesburg, had already been in touch with some of the Sri Lankan players, many of whom they have played alongside in the Indian Premier League.

"We have spoken with members of the Sri Lankan team this morning and made them aware we are extremely saddened by what has happened and that our best wishes are with them all. We hope that those who have been injured in these attacks can make a full and quick recovery and return to representing their country soon.”

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