Just five days ago, the former England fast bowlers urged foreign teams to let go of their fear and apprehensions and tour Pakistan. He was a commentator on the Sri Lanka Pakistan Test series. But all that changed after the events that transpired this morning.
Excerpts from his interviews to various television networks before seeking a flight to go back home.
“I’m devastated. The cricket and facilities were fantastic. We heard the explosions and gun fire. It’s a frightening experience. We didn’t think international sport would come to this. I just arrived at the ground and was going to the commentary box a couple of minutes before the explosions were heard. The Sri Lankan bus traveled quickly into the stadium.
“This is absolute shock and devastation. You see it on television but you never think you are going to be caught up in them. You have to put sport on one side. We are trying to find a flight out of Lahore. Match referee Chris Broad was witness to seeing his van’s driver shot dead, fourth umpire has a bullet wound in his back and Sri Lankan players are injured. I just want to go home and be with my family.
“There is lot of tension across Asia. I came knowing of the possibility. But it is hard to see myself coming back. Will I come back? No, because my family comes first for me. We need to put into context what happened today. Players have been injured, lives lost today. There is terrorist activity in other countries. I don’t think cricket in Pakistan will happen for a long time.”
First reactions from a man too close to the action to be able to temper his views.
