ICC: Attack may threaten future tours

International Cricket Council president David Morgan admitted "there will be reluctance" on the part of the sport's leading nations to tour Pakistan after the terrorist attack on the Sri Lanka team.

Thilan Samaraweera and Tharanga Paranavitana were hospitalised after gunmen struck as the team bus made its way to the Gaddafi Stadium. Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Ajantha Mendis, Suranka Lakmal and Chaminda Vaas also sustained lesser injuries as well as assistant coach Paul Farbrace, while at least five policemen were killed and fourth umpire Ehsan Raza remained in a "critical condition" in a Lahore hospital.

"I believe the situation as it is currently stands in Pakistan is such that there will be reluctance for cricketers to wish to return there," said Morgan. "But the current situation need not perpetuate way into the future."

Morgan claims the ICC were given assurances about the safety of cricketers travelling to Pakistan.

"On many occasions we were told cricket would not be targeted in Pakistan," Morgan said.

"This morning's events prove that incorrect."

But Morgan stressed: "I believe cricket must go on.

"I think it was important England returned to India (in December) after the Mumbai bombings.

"But we have to provide the safest possible environment for cricket to be played."