Terror-hit Lanka set for emotional return

by Kuldip LAL

CRICKET: LONDON, May 30. - Sri Lanka's cricketers will play together for the first time since surviving a horrific terror attack in March when they take part in the World Twenty20 tournament in England.

The June 5-21 event will be the Islanders' first official tournament since the team was attacked by armed militants in the Pakistani city of Lahore on March 3 while on their way to resume a Test match. Seven Sri Lankan cricketers, including newly-appointed captain Kumar Sangakkara, and an assistant coach were injured in the attack, which left eight Pakistanis dead. A few top stars took part in the Indian Premier League in South Africa, but the Twenty20 Worlds gives the Sri Lankan team a chance to shine again at the highest level.

"It has not been easy for us to deal with the events of Lahore," said Sangakkara, who took over as captain after good friend Mahela Jayawardene resigned to concentrate on his batting.

"The memories of what happened will last a long time, but with cricket comes a sense of normalcy and that old feeling of going out and doing your job.