'The events of 2009 feel like a bad dream' - Inzamam-ul-Haq on terror attack on Sri Lankan team and its repercussion

The year 2025 will witness a long-awaited return of an ICC event to Pakistan since the 1996 World Cup of which the nation was a co-host. The venues that will host the tournament in Pakistan are Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi and the tournament is set to begin on Wednesday, February 19.

The reason for this long break from hosting an ICC event is unfortunate circumstances that took place in the country. One of the major incidents that led to teams avoiding playing in Pakistan was the 2009 terror attack on the Sri Lankan team. This was one of the darkest moments in cricketing history.

Former Pakistan skipper and batting legend Inzamam-ul-Haq shared his stories on how the attack affected cricket in Pakistan and caused problems for them for years to come.

“The events of 2009 feel like a bad dream, We were punished for 10 years. Our cricket went backwards,” said Inzamam as quoted by The Indian Express.

2009 terror attack - The incident that scared the cricketing masses

The Sri Lankan team was on its way to the stadium on the third day of the second Test in Lahore when 12 gunmen attacked their team bus. The gunmen were said to be armed with grenades, rifles, and rocket launchers. The attack led to an abrupt end to the tour and the Test match in concern was declared a draw.

Six policemen and a driver escorting the match officials were killed in the attack. Seven Sri Lankan players were injured which included legendary players Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. Thilan Samaraweera and Tharanga Paranavitana were hospitalised during this incident which scared everyone in the cricketing fraternity.