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General Sports News

Sri Lanka attack stuns cricket

Author: Rose Young
Date: 03/03/2009

The world of cricket is in shock after Sri Lanka's tour of Pakistan came to an abrupt end after seven of their squad were injured in terrorist attacks as they headed for Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium.

Chaminda Vaas, Mahela Jayawardene, Thilan Samaraweera, Ajantha Mendis, Tharanga Paranavitana, Kumar Sangakkara and Suranga Lakmal were all injured by gunmen ahead of the third day of the second Test.

None of those injuries are reported to be serious, but at least five Pakistani policemen were killed as they tried to deal with a large group of gunmen.

A statement from ICC chief executive, Haroon Lorgat, read: "We note with dismay and regret the events in Lahore and we condemn this attack without reservation.

"It is a source of great sadness that there have been a number of fatalities in this attack and it is also very upsetting for the wider cricket family that some of the Sri Lanka players and one match official have been injured in this attack.

"At this time our thoughts and prayers are with the injured people and also the families of those who have died."

Meanwhile, in football, AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani remains hopeful that his club can agree a deal to keep David Beckham at the San Siro until the end of the Serie A season.

The 33-year-old England midfielder is due to return to LA Galaxy next week, having impressed during his short loan spell with the Rossoneri.

His American parent club had previously been adamant that Beckham would be heading back to the MLS in early March, but Galliani hopes that a compromise can be agreed in the near future.

In Spain, La Liga betting favourites Barcelona have denied being in talks with Bayern Munich about a deal to sign winger Franck Ribery for next season.

The 25-year-old France international is also a reported target for Manchester United, but Barca's technical secretary, Txiki Begiristain, has rejected rumours that his club are closing in on a deal.

In rugby union, England are breathing a sigh of relief after a leg injury sustained by Paul Sackey in the weekend loss in Ireland turned out not to be too serious.

Scans have shown that the Wasps winger only damaged the muscle in his left calf and avoided any broken bones.

However, England's joy is tempered by the news that they have slipped to eighth place in the world rankings, their lowest ever position.

Honda could yet line up on the grid for the opening race of the Formula One 2009 season, despite the Japanese company having withdrawn from the sport late last year.

A buy-out of the existing team by some of its current management is rumoured to be close to completion, with the hope being that two cars will be prepared in time to feature in the Australian Grand Prix at the end of March.

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