Remembering every time sport became the target of violence

#4 New Zealand tour of Pakistan (2002)

An emotional New Zealand cricket captain Stephen Fleming

When it comes to violence during sports New Zealand cricket team is the unluckiest team. When they were in Pakistan in 2002 the wounds of the 1987 bomb blast were freshened up.

They were scheduled to play four test matches. Just a few hours before the start of the 2nd test match a bomb exploded near the New Zealand team's hotel which resulted in the death of 13 civilians. However, the blast didn't lead to any physical injuries to the players and staff members, but mentally it was catastrophic for them.

The attack left Stephen Fleming broken as he cried while addressing the media. The tour was cancelled by New Zealand board due to security reason. These kinds of incidents leave behind scares which are perpetual and painful.

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#3 Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan (2009)

Sri Lankan cricketer Ajantha Mendis and Mahela Jayawardene

3 March 2009 is one of the darkest days in the history of cricket. What happened that day was not imagined by anyone. Sri Lanka was on tour to Pakistan, and the terrorists attacked the bus carrying Sri Lankan cricketers to Gadaffi stadium, Karachi. Twelve gunmen were ambushing near the stadium, and when the bus was about to reach the stadium, they fired mercilessly resulting in the death of 6 police officers and two civilians.

Six Sri Lankan cricketers were injured which includes Thilan Samaraweera, Kumar Sangakkara (Vice Captain), Tharanga Paranavitana, Ajantha Mendis, Chaminda Vas, Mahela Jayawardene (Captain), and Suranga Lakmal.

This incident was shocking to the world, and it left Sri Lankan players heartbroken and shattered. The authorities used aeroplanes to rescue Sri Lanka's players, and arrangements were for their safe return to home.