New Delhi: Unidentified gunmen opened fire on a bus carrying members of Sri Lankan cricket team to Gaddafi stadium in Lahore on Tuesday morning, Dawn news channel reported.
The attack took place at Liberty Chowk in the heart of the Lahore city.
A Pakistani official said six of the players are injured and have been admitted to a city hospital.
The players reported injured are
- Thilan Samaraweera,
- Kumar Sangakkara,
- Ajantha Mendis,
- Mahela Jayawardene,
- Tharanga Paranavithana and
- Chaminda Vaas.
Pacer Chaminda Vaas was carried off in a stretcher
The attackers - who came in a white car - lobbed two grenades at the bus carrying the players.
The gunmen, reportedly surrounded the team van and opened fire indiscriminately. They reportedly continuously for two to three minutes.
The attackers then started firing at a police van which was providing security to the Lankan team.
Five policemen are reported dead.
Officials said rocket launchers were used in the attack as well.
Dawn channel showed footage of two gunmen opening fire.
At least 12 gunmen are believed to be involved in the attack.
The Sri Lankan tour has been officially called off.
Eight members of the Sri Lankan team were injured near Gaddafi Stadium, Pakistan Cricket Board security official Nadeem Iqbal said.
City police chief Haji Habibur Rehman said five policemen died in the shooting.
