Australia union sees lasting damage from Pakistan attack

SYDNEY: The attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore will have a lasting and damaging impact on planned tours to Pakistan, the Australian Cricketers' Association said Tuesday. The players' union chief executive Paul Marsh said the attack would have huge ramifications for Pakistan cricket. "It is one of those things, you know the risk is pretty large in that part of the world, in Pakistan, but there has always been a belief that sports people will not be targeted and I am just stunned," Marsh said. "It is very sad that it has come to this for all the cricketers and Pakistan cricket in particular. "This is not their doing but I am sure the fallout from this is going to have a lasting impact on Pakistan cricket and the future of the game in Pakistan." Former Pakistan coach Geoff Lawson said the attack was a massive blow for international cricket in Pakistan. "The prospects were not great for Pakistan cricket before this, they're absolutely horrendous now," he said.