Unidentified gunmen opened fire on a bus carrying the Sri Lankan team on its way to the Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore.

In a shocking turn of events, Sri Lankan cricket team was attacked in Pakistan when the players were on their way to Gaddafi stadium for the third day's play of the second Test match.

Chaminda Vaas, Thilan Samaraweera, Kumar Sangakkara, Ajantha Mendis, Thilan Thusara and Tharanga Paranavitana are amongst the players who got injured, while captain Mahela Jayawardene and Muttiah Muralitharan are said to be safe.

It is confirmed that all injured players are out of danger.

The attackers were 12 in number

About 12 unidentified gunmen opened fired at the Lankan players and sources in the visiting team claimed that at least six players have been injured and umpires have also been attacked.

Police officials confirmed that at least seven of their personnel, accompanying the team, have been killed.

According to details, the incident took place when the Sri Lankan team was near the liberty round about which is close to the stadium.

"Tough for Pakistan to wipe the blot"

"The firing took place from at least four sides and continued for some minutes," one police official said.

"There were 12 masked gunmen," Lahore police chief Habib-ur Rehman told reporters, adding that police battled against the assailants for about 25 minutes.

"They appeared to be well-trained terrorists. They came on rickshaws. They were armed with rockets, hand grenades, kalashnikovs," he said.

"The situation is being assessed"

Speaking about the attacks PCB chairman Ejaz Butt said that the situation is being assessed.

"We are assessing the situation. Five policemen who were providing protection to the team sacrificed their lives," he said.

One explosion was also heard at the stadium. The attackers later escaped in separate groups.

The liaison officer of the Pakistan team said players of the host nation have been sent back to the hotel.

"The Sri Lankan players are presently safe at the Gaddafi stadium and they are getting treatment," one PCB official said.

Sources also claimed that the police had received a threat on Monday that the Sri Lankan team would be attacked so a different route was used to transport the team to the stadium.

Tour cancelled with immediate effect

The tour has meanwhile been cancelled and the team would be back as soon as possible.

"Sri Lanka have cancelled the cricket tour to Pakistan with immediate effect and now efforts are on on to bring back the team as soon as possible," said Graeme Labrooy, Secretary of the Sri Lanka Cricketers' Association.

Former Pakistan speedster Waqar Younis has said that they are waiting for official clearance to leave the ground.

"All commentators and the television crew are safe and we are waiting for the official clearance to leave the ground," said Waqar.

SL Sports Minister confirms players' injury

Sri Lankan Sports Minister Gamini Lokuge has confirmed that Lankan players have got injured after gunmen opened fire on team bus.

Samaraweera remains in hospital after being shot in the thigh.

Punjab Governor Salmaan Tahseer told a news channel, "The team is shaken, but I can confirm that there are no serious injuries to the players. None of them are critical.

"This was an organised attack. They were terrorists. They used sophisticated weapons. Five Pakistani policemen have been killed.

"Obviously the tour has been cancelled. We have arranged for the Sri Lankan players to be taken out to the airport and they will fly out of the country this afternoon."

All players safe: Jayasuriya

Former Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya told a news channel: "I just spoke to Kumar (Sangakkara) and the good news is everybody is safe and okay at the moment.

"Mahela Jayawardene was also injured, but they are all safe at the moment.

"When we played three one-day games there we had no problems. That is why the team went back to Pakistan again for the Test series.

"We had a good game in Karachi and then they went to Lahore where this unfortunate incident has happened.

Injured Pak umpire stable

"These are things you cannot control and the players are shocked at the moment.

"This is obviously something they haven't gone through before as a cricket team. I feel for them. It's a terrible time.

"I can't say at the moment what impact this would have on Pakistan cricket, but the priority at the moment is to see that the Sri Lankan players are safe."