No half-century celebrations: Former Pak batsman Asad Rauf
On March 3, 2009, gunmen attacked Sri Lanka's cricket team in Lahore killing eight people
Mumbai: The Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi, who turned 34 on Saturday, was in no mood to celebrate his birthday because of his current poor form.
Former Pakistani top order batsman Asad Rauf has different reason to "ignore" his Monday's birthday.
"Any disaster falling on any day is not good. March 3 is the blackest day in Pakistan cricket. It was on this day in Lahore five years ago when the terrorists attacked on vehicles carrying Sri Lankan players and the match officials. I will be 50 on Monday but has vowed not to celebrate this day anymore", said Rauf, who played only one Test (against New Zealand in 1994) and 142 First Class matches, said over telephone from Lahore.
"I am indebted to Allah for giving me this beautiful life but shall never be happy on this day (March 3) until the game is returned to this country", he added.
On Monday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials may visit the spot where five Pakistani policemen escorting the Sri Lankan team bus were killed and pay homage.
Not safe
Exactly five years after the incident in which the players and team officials were injured, the country is not yet safe, believes Mehar Mohammad Khalil, the bus driver who had saved the lives of the Sri Lankan players. The players had to be air-lifted from the Stadium the same day.
"No, the country is not yet safe to host the international matches", the hero, who drove the players safely, said exclusively over telephone from Lahore.
Khalil kept his head cool head and drove the bus to safety when it came under terrorists' gunfire, grenade and rocket attack.
"The terrorism is still here in Pakistan and even the bullet-proof buses are not enough for the players' safety", he added.
"I am no more in driving but if situation improves and the game returns to this country, would be more than happy to be their bus-driver again".
"It will take some more time for the resumption of international cricket here".
Khalil has more than two decades of driving. During President Musharraf’s tenure, he had the honour of driving Prince Charles in a bullet-proof car.
He was touched when the Sri Lanka government had invited him and his wife to be their guest. "I met a few Sri Lankan players in South Africa last year and Mahela, the captain then was more than happy to chat with me".
"I am involved in furniture business and planning to go to Morocco later this month", he signed off.