SL Sports Minister Gamini Lokuge tells espnstar.com's Ayanjit Sen that incidents of violence will not affect cricketing relations.

"This incident will not affect cricket relations between countries and we should all stand together to confront these problems," he said.

"Terrorist attacks are taking place in different parts of the world. It is not just a problem in our part of the world. But it is good news that players are safe," he said.

Security of cricket players in the sub-continent is always given high priority considering the popularity of the game.

He said the Pakistani authorities have been in touch with him and his colleague holding the defence portfolio.

"The Pakistani government has been in regular touch with us regarding this incident. However, I have not been able to speak to any of our players till now," he said.

"We are expecting the Sri Lanka team back in the country later today. They have been airlifed from the stadium to the airport," he added.

He said six Sri Lankan players were injured.

Unidentified gunmen opened fire on a bus carrying Sri Lankan team as they were on their way to Gadaffi stadium in Lahore.

This incident will surely affect the prospect of hosting the 2011 World Cup in Pakistan.