Unknown terrorists assaulted and killed 8 people including players and spectators and left 15 more injured during a match at the Quetta cricket club in Pakistan today (May 6, 2011).
The attack, which lasted for at least 25 minutes, included 12 to 15 armed men, who entered the ground, opened fire and threw rockets indiscriminately. The culprits had fled the scene by the time the Police arrived.
A local police officer, Hamid Shakeel, told the media, “Eight people have died while 15 more injured in the attack so far.”As per the initial reports, some club players were playing an informal match at a cricket ground situated in the suburbs of Quetta city, the capital of Baluchistan.
There were no security arrangements at the venue. The terrorists came and operated conveniently. During the 25-minute long episode, the Police force failed to arrive.
There is contrasting public opinion regarding the heinous incident. Some consider it an activity of the ethnic groups while others link it to the ongoing terrorist wave in the country after the death of the Al-Qaeda chief, Osama bin Laden.Unfortunately for Pakistan Cricket, this attack has sent another bitter message to the International community. International teams have been averse to the idea of playing in Pakistan and this incident may hamper the expected Pakistan-India and Pakistan-Sri Lanka series.
In a country which has been witnessing unabated terrorism since the dawn of 21st century, it is the second onslaught on the game of cricket. The first incident was in March of 2009, when the convoy of Team Sri Lanka was targeted in Lahore.
Since then, cricket in the country has suffered immensely. Widespread terrorist activities deprived Pakistan of the opportunity to host the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.Police has registered the case and started their investigation. The ground has been sealed.
