Dubai, 6 March 2009
On Friday in Wellington the world of cricket begins three days remembering the tragic events that took place in Lahore this week.
Ahead of the start of the second ODI between New Zealand and India the players and officials of both sides, together with the match officials and spectators, will observe a minute’s silence out of respect for those people killed or injured during Tuesday’s terrorist attack on the convoy containing the Sri Lanka squad and the match officials.
The gesture will be repeated before the start of the second Test between South Africa and Australia in Durban and the fifth West Indies – England Test match in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, also beginning on Friday.
The opening matches of the ICC Women’s World Cup in Australia over the weekend are also expected to include the minute’s silence.
Players and officials will wear black armbands on the first days of each Test and during the ODIs, replicating the spontaneous gesture of the players and officials at the first New Zealand – India ODI, which took place in Napier on 3 March, the day of the attack, which left seven people dead and several others injured.
ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said: "What happened this week in Lahore has shocked and saddened not only the entire cricket community but also those with little or no interest in the game.
"We hope that through these gestures of the minute’s silence and the wearing of black armbands we can let those who have lost loved ones or who are suffering know that the thoughts and prayers of the cricket world are with them.
"These gestures, stretching across the world, will emphasise that the game of cricket is united. We are united against terrorists and united in our desire to do all we can to ensure that the game continues to be played wherever and whenever possible.
"Cricket is a tremendous force for good. It brings together people from diverse backgrounds and provides joy to many millions of people around the globe. It is a tie that binds us and these gestures by the players, officials and spectators will emphasise that fact as well as showing support for those affected by the tragic events in Lahore."
ICC MEDIA RELEASE