Younus apologises for attacks, praises Lankan players' spirit

Lahore (PTI): Pakistan captain Younus Khan on Tuesday apologised to the Sri Lankan players for the terror attack carried out on them near Gaddafi stadium here and lauded the visiting team for their noble gesture towards the bus driver who played a key role in driving the visitors to safety.

Seven Sri Lankan players and an assistant coach were injured today when 12 unidentified gunmen opened fire at them, killing eight people, including six securitymen escorting the team convoy to the Gadaffi stadium ahead of the third day's play in the second Test.

However, Sri Lankan team bus driver Mehar Mohammad showed great presence of mind and drove the bus straight inside the secured stadium amidst heavy gunfire. "I talked with Ajantha Mendis, Muttaih Muralitharan, Mahela Jayawardene and Thilan Samaraweera after the incident and told them the entire nation was sorry for what had happened. They said they have no complaints against the Pakistani people because of this incident.

"The Sri Lankan players specially called the driver, Mehar Mohammad to the airport and thanked him for saving their lives and gave him souvenirs and gifts to express their gratitude towards him," Younus told reporters. Younus said he himself went to meet the injured Sri Lankan players.