Pakistan has always been a hub of terrorism. For years, it has produced violence that affected neighbours and the wider world. Now the same forces have begun destroying Pakistan’s own playgrounds. From international cricket to local volleyball matches, terrorists have repeatedly turned games into blood islands.
Notably, on September 6, 2025, an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded at Kausar Cricket Ground, Bajaur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. One person died and several were injured, including players. Bajaur District Police Officer Waqas Rafique told Dawn that the blast was a targeted attack and carried out through an improvised explosive device (IED). The authorities further said that the alleged terrorists also launched another attack on the police station, but it missed the target.
List of attacks on Cricketers in Pakistan
2002 Karachi – New Zealand team targeted
On May 8, 2002, a car bomb exploded outside Karachi’s Sheraton Hotel where the New Zealand cricket team was staying. The bomb exploded in the morning, just before the second Test match was due to begin, while the New Zealand team was at breakfast. Fourteen people, including eleven French engineers, died. Though the players survived, the incident forced New Zealand to abandon the tour immediately.
2009 Lahore – Sri Lankan team attacked
On March 3, 2009, armed terrorists attacked the Sri Lankan cricket team’s bus near Liberty Chowk, Lahore. Six policemen and two civilians were killed. Six Sri Lankan players, including Kumar Sangakkara and Thilan Samaraweera, were wounded. The cricketers were on their way to play the third day of the second Test against the Pakistani cricket team. The attack was believed to have been carried out by the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi.
2015 – Suicide attack to blow Gaddafi stadium during Zimbabwe team’s tour to Pakistan
In 2015, Zimbabwe became the first international side to tour Pakistan after the 2009 terror attack on Sri Lankan team. During a match in Lahore, a suicide bomber blew himself up near Gaddafi Stadium. Two civilians were killed. Soon after the blast, the Pakistan Cricket Board issued a statement, saying it was a “power transformer blast” that was caused by malfunctioning. But, later on Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid told Geo News, “An attempt to attack the Gaddafi Stadium was foiled by the gallantry of a police official, who lost his life while trying to stop the attacker near Kalma Chowk.” More than 20,OOO people were inside the stadium. This incident reinforced Pakistan’s dangerous image and delayed hopes of reviving international cricket.
2021 – New Zealand Walks Out of Rawalpindi
On September 17, 2021, the New Zealand cricket team abandoned their Rawalpindi tour hours before the opening match, citing a “credible terror threat.” New Zealand Cricket said it received a security alert from its government and made the decision to cancel the tour moments before the scheduled start. The team was flown out under heavy security. Soon after, England also cancelled their scheduled series.
Pakistani Cricketers targeted
Terror has also struck Pakistani cricketers. In February 2008, domestic player Rahatullah was shot dead by terrorists on his way to a match in Peshawar. However, there was no further action by Pak authorities on this.
Beyond cricket, other sportsman has also suffered terror attacks in Pakistan. Several, volleyball and football matches in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and tribal districts were bombed multiple times in the last two decades. Many athletes and fans lost their lives in these attacks.
Repeated terror incidents forced international sports bodies to boycott Pakistan. For almost 20 years, Pakistan’s cricket stadiums hosted no major matches. Hockey, football, and other games also declined under constant fear. Sports became hostage to terrorism, and players from abroad refused to risk their lives for tournaments in Pakistan.
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