CSA, Smith Extend Sympathy For Lahore Horror

An incident like this can disturb anyone, especially when it is a professional bonding one shares even when being miles apart. Cricket South Africa and South African skipper Graeme Smith extended their sympathy for the atrocious attack by terrorists on the Sri Lankans.
What happened on Tuesday morning outside the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore rattled everyone in the cricketing fraternity. While South Africa are engaged to a tight fisted battle with Australia, they could not share sympathy at the turn of events.
The CSA released a statement through Dr Mtutuzeli Nyoka, president of Cricket South Africa stating, “It was with great shock and sadness that I heard of the attack on the Sri Lankan team in Pakistan. CSA would like to convey its sympathies to all the victims and condolences to the families of the Pakistani policemen who were killed. Cricket is an instrument of peace and justice, and a catalyst for harmony among nations. The players, who were shot, were ambassadors of these noble causes, and CSA therefore condemns, in the strongest possible terms, this crime on innocent people.”
Graeme Smith also expressed shock, “The word ‘tragedy’ is often used to describe a setback on the sporting field, but this is a real tragedy, for all the people of Pakistan and Sri Lanka, for cricket, and for all decent people.”
He added, “There is a tremendous brotherhood among cricketers around the world and at this time South Africans extend their sympathy to all those affected by this terrible event. We are hurting after our defeat by Australia, but this puts into perspective what real suffering is.”
Gerald Majola, Cricket South Africa chief executive, also released a statement to the effect, “It is the worst possible news for cricket and all cricket-loving nations. I wish to express shock and dismay at the attack. Our thoughts are with all the victims of this terrible attack as the cricket world comes to grips with this shocking news. This is a dastardly deed and will have a negative impact on world cricket. We need to address security issues as a matter of urgency. We have to achieve that balance between keeping cricket progressing and securing the safety of our players and spectators.”
Coach Mickey Arthur spoke out as well, “Any loss of life is tragic, but when it involves sport it just seems so senseless. The Sri Lankans are a fantastic bunch of guys who did not deserve to be subjected to something like this. Thank God none of them was killed. As far as Pakistan is concerned, I’m afraid this could mean the end of international cricket in that country for the foreseeable future.”
Tony Irish, CEO of the South Africa Cricketers Association, “On behalf of all players in South Africa our thoughts are with the Sri Lankan team and the players affected by this attack. For the first time in cricket it appears that a team has been the target of a terrorist attack. This throws a very different complexion on the way in which security needs to be handled in the game. Everyone in world cricket needs to pull together in dealing with this.”