Pakistan arrests six more in SLanka team attack

LAHORE, Pakistan: Pakistani police said Tuesday they had arrested another six alleged plotters over the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team that cost the country its World Cup hosting rights.

Six policemen and two civilians were killed and seven Sri Lankan players injured when militants launched a gun and grenade assault on the team as they travelled to a match in the eastern city on March 3, 2009.

Lahore city police chief Aslam Tareen said the latest arrests were made in different swoops in central Punjab province, but gave no precise dates.

“We have arrested six people, they were actively involved in the attack on the Sri Lankan team. They belonged to the TTP (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan),” Tareen told a news conference on the eve of the hotly-anticipated cricket World Cup semi-final between arch rivals India and Pakistan in Mohali, India.

The arrests followed the interrogation of two other suspects, already held in connection with the attack, he said.

The detainees were presented at the news conference, their faces covered in masks, but did not speak. Police also displayed four assault rifles, one suicide vest and eight hand grenades allegedly seized from the suspects.

“They told interrogators that they belonged to TTP and the plot was hatched in the tribal Waziristan region,” Tareen said.

Their motive was to take the Sri Lankan team hostage, he said.

Up to 12 gunmen were believed to have taken part in the assault on the bus carrying the Sri Lankan players from hotel to the stadium. They all escaped.

SL invites N. Zealand PM for semi-finals

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapakse on Sunday invited New Zealand Prime Minister John Key to witness the cricket World Cup semi-finals between the two nations on Tuesday, an official said.

Rajapakse asked Key to visit the island after the home team crushed England by 10 wickets on Saturday to reach the World Cup semi-finals that will be played at Colombo's Premadasa Stadium, spokesman Bandula Jayasekera said.

The 1996 champions will tackle New Zealand on Tuesday for a place in the finals. The Black Caps had knocked South Africa out of the World Cup by defeating them by 49 runs on Friday.

Sri Lanka will meet New Zealand for a second time in the current World Cup after their 112 run victory over the Black Caps in their Group A match at the Wankhede Stadium on March 18.

Pakistan-India War 2011

Pakistan and India both are the greatest and nuclear powers of Asia, also the both nations are greatest power in the Cricket, as they both proved it by beating Australia (World Champion) in the World cup event after 12years.

Pakistan has won its quarter final match against West Indies by 10 Wickets and target the score in just 21 overs. Pakistani Eagles has lost only one match throughout the tournament, otherwise their performance is remarkable, specially win from Australian team and West indies team.

Although India also qualified for semifinal against Pakistan scheduled on 30-03-2011 at Mohalli, but India has only one match win from a strong side, otherwise he lose or tied his matches against strong side, like the match between England and India was tie.

Now the both neighbor nation will fight their battle in the Cricket ground at Mohalli, and of course the team plays better will wins this match, this match also calls as Mini World Cup final, due to the interest of both nations in this match.

However, any team wins, it should be the win of peace and people of both countries should accept the result of this match heartily and pleasantly, because it is a game.