(3 Mar 2009) SHOTLIST
1. Wide of former Pakistani cricket captain turned politician Imran Khan
2. Mid of Khan on phone
3. SOUNDBITE (English) Imran Khan, Former Pakistani cricket captain:
"I think this was one of the most tragic incidents in Pakistan's sports history. I think this was one of the worst security failures in Pakistan. The Pakistan government guaranteed the Sri Lankan cricket team that they would provide them security and to see the type of security provided to the Sri Lankan cricket team was completely shameful. Even one of the army of ministers in Pakistan, most ministers have better security than the one provided to the Sri Lankan team."
4. Khan speaking on phone
5. SOUNDBITE (English) Imran Khan, Former Pakistani cricket captain:
"It certainly is a disaster for Pakistan sport but I think much more I think this was targeted at Pakistan's economy and destabilising the country."
(Reporter's Question : How can Pakistan improve its image in the world?)
"Pakistan must pull out of this insane, this senseless 'War on Terror'. No Pakistani was involved in 9/11 yet Pakistan has become the centre of world terrorism now. There are international players involved in Pakistan now. No one knows who's actually doing what. These terrorists were not al-Qaida, these terrorists have nothing to do with Taliban. These were other terrorists and I would not be surprised if these were international players backed by outsiders."
7. Khan with colleagues
STORYLINE
Former Pakistani cricket legend turned politician Imran Khan on Tuesday blasted the Pakistani government's security arrangements for the Sri Lankan cricket team, following an attack on the touring party earlier in the day.
Khan said the attacks were "one of the most tragic incidents in Pakistan's sports history".
Six police officers and a civilian were killed when a dozen men attacked the Sri Lankan team bus with rifles, grenades and rocket launchers as it travelled to Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore for the third day of the second test against Pakistan.
Seven players, an umpire and a coach were wounded, none with life-threatening injuries.
The former Pakistani cricket captain, now chairman of the Tehreek-e-Insaaf party, said that security given to the Sri Lankan team was less than that provided to a typical Pakistani cabinet member and called it "completely shameful".
Khan suggested that "international players backed by outsiders" were responsible for the attacks.
Authorities have not speculated on the identities of the attackers or their motives.
Imran Khan played for the Pakistani cricket team for more than two decades.
The International Cricket Council said it will be difficult for international cricket to return to Pakistan in the foreseeable future following the attack on the Sri Lanka team.
The ruling body is also reviewing Pakistan's status as co-host of the 2011 one-day World Cup.

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