'Sri Lanka not averse to playing in Pakistan'

Karachi:

A Sri Lankan cricket board official on Wednesday said that the islanders were not averse to playing in Pakistan again despite the March 3 attack on their players in Lahore last year.

Nishanta Ranatunga told the 'Express' news channel that the Lankans stood together with Pakistan while recalling the first anniversary of the March 3 attacks.

"We are ready to play in Pakistan subject to security clearance from our government," Ranatunga said.

"Pakistan has always been a good friend and staunch supporter of Sri Lankan cricket and we would also not shy away from helping them at this time when they are faced with problems," he said.

The Sri Lankan team was touring Pakistan as a replacement for India, who had pulled out of a scheduled Test tour after the Mumbai attacks, when militants attacked their team bus during a Test match in Lahore, killing six policemen and injuring several Sri Lankan players.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ejaz Butt paid tribute to the memories of those who lost their lives on that day.

"We pause to remember the victims, to grieve with the families and friends of those who died, and to honour the heroes of that day who sacrificed their lives to save others.

"Even though a year has passed, it has not erased the shock, horror and pain that we all felt on that day. We all remember where we were when we heard the news, and the disbelief that we felt at first, and then the sorrow," he said.