Kumar Sangakkara Opens Up About 2009 Lahore Terror Attack

Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara, in a recent interview, opened up about the deadly 2009 Lahore terror attack, revealing that he does not need a flashback because he still remembers that day very clearly.

The current Marylebone Cricket Club‘s (MCC) president said this as the MCC made their way to Pakistan for playing a T20I match against Lahore Qalandars.

This will be the first time he returns to the Gaddafi stadium, since 2009, the Sri Lankan bus was attacked by terrorists.

Sangakkara also conceded that the attacks helped him learn a lot about his character and values.

Kumar Sangakkara discusses the 2009 Lahore attack and how he dealt with it:

The atrocious incident took place in 2009 when the Sri Lankan team were on their way to the Gaddafi stadium, where they were due to play a Test match with the hosts.

Terrorists from the Taliban and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) open fired on the visiting team’s bus which killed at least eight people and further injured seven of the Sri Lankan players and support staff.

Since then, no cricket team was willing to tour Pakistan due to obvious security concerns.

However, the scenario changed last year when Sri Lanka visited the country, with Bangladesh doing so most recently, and talks are currently in progress with South Africa as well who could become the next team to tour Pakistan.

Meanwhile, former skipper of the Lankan team recently opened up on the tragic incident and revealed how it changed him on a personal level.

“I don’t think I need any flashbacks, because I remember that day and those moments so very clearly. It’s not something I relive or wallow in. But it’s an experience you should never forget, because it gives you perspective in terms of life and sport, and you learn a lot about your own values and characters, and those of others,” ESPN Cricinfo quoted Sangakkara as saying.

He further added, “I have no reservations about talking about it, it’s not something that upsets me, but these sorts of experiences can only strengthen you. Today I consider yourself very fortunate to be able to come back here to Lahore, and at the same time remember the sacrifice of all those who lost their lives that day.”

Sangakkara will lead the twelve-man squad of the MCC on their tour of Pakistan, where they will play matches against Lahore Qalandars, Pakistan Shaheens, Multan Sultans, and the Northern, starting 14th February and the tour will commence until 19th February.