Meher Khalil may have saved the Sri Lankans from a terror attack in Pakistan but his heart does not lie with the Islanders.

By Bipin Dani

The Pakistani was behind the wheels of the team bus when the Sri Lankan cricketers came under heavy fire from terrorists in Lahore on March 3 on the way to the Gaddafi Stadium.

The Lankan cricket starts certainly owe their lives to Khalil and consequently, he has been invited by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to witness the forthcoming Sri Lanka-Pakistan matches.

 "I received a call from an SLC official. However, I have expressed my inability to make my second trip to Sri Lanka as I am leaving for Saudi Arabia for Umra (it is a "minor" pilgrimage to Mecca which can be undertaken during any time of the year) within the next ten days and will be away for about a month", Khalil said from Lahore.

During his pilgrimage visit to Mecca, he will pray for a Pakistan win in this series. "As a host, it was my duty to save the Sri Lankan players when they were in my country.

But my heart will always be with the Pakistan team and I wish our team continues winning more matches in Sri Lanka also", he added.
 
Eight people were killed, and a few of the Sri Lanka players suffered serious injuries during one of the most ghastly attacks on sport stars in the sub-continent.

The bus driver (with his wife) was a guest and felicitated by the Sri Lankan government and cricket board officials a few weeks ago.

In the meantime in Sri Lanka, Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam has expressed satisfaction over security arrangements. "It is excellent and we have no fears whatsoever", he said from the Taj Samudra, the team hotel.

Major General Lawrence, the former number two of the Army, who retired as Chief-of-Staff last year is overseeing the security arrangement for both the teams.

He was in charge of the national team in the recently concluded ICC World Twenty20 in England. Different bus routes to the stadium on all days will be tried this time.

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