&nbsp;Afghanistan cricketer Rashid Khan condemned Pakistan’s alleged airstrikes in Paktika province, as at least 10 people were killed in the wee hours of Saturday (Oct 18). Now Rashid has moved a step ahead and removed Pakistan Super League (PSL) side Lahore Qalandars from his X handle. This comes as he sympathises with the loss of life in Afghanistan while distancing himself from any association with Pakistan, which has been alleged to have carried out the airstrikes.<h2>Rashid removes Lahore Qalandars from X profile</h2>On Sunday, netizens observed Rashid’s X handle, which mentioned his current teams and the Afghanistan national side, highlighting his professional status. However, when compared to his Friday’s profile, Lahore Qalandars were missing from it. His current profile sees the mention of Afghanistan, Sydney Thunder and Gujarat Titans, but no Lahore Qalandars.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I am deeply saddened by the loss of civilian lives in the recent Pakistani aerial strikes on Afghanistan. A tragedy that claimed the lives of women, children, and aspiring young cricketers who dreamed of representing their nation on the world stage. It is absolutely immoral and…&mdash; Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashidkhan_19/status/1979313849418551376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

On Saturday, he took to his X handle and condemned Pakistan’s airstrikes on Afghanistan."I am deeply saddened by the loss of civilian lives in the recent Pakistani aerial strikes on Afghanistan," Rashid wrote. "A tragedy that claimed the lives of women, children, and aspiring young cricketers who dreamed of representing their nation on the world stage."&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-women-s-odi-world-cup-2025-all-you-need-to-know-about-indian-women-s-team-schedule-squad-fixtures-and-more-1758556378933">Women's ODI World Cup 2025: All you need to know about Indian women's team schedule, squad, fixtures and more</a>&nbsp;"It is absolutely immoral and barbaric to target civilian infrastructure. These unjust and unlawful actions represent a grave violation of human rights and must not go unnoticed," continued Rashid.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/5-players-with-most-runs-in-women-s-odi-world-cup-history-debbie-hockley-mithali-raj-janette-brittin-charlotte-edwards-suzie-bates-1757606297874">From Mithali Raj to Janette Brittin, 5 players with most runs in Women's ODI World Cup history</a>&nbsp;"In light of the precious innocent souls lost, I welcome the ACB's decision to withdraw from upcoming fixtures against Pakistan. I stand with our people at this difficult time; our national dignity must come before all else," concluded Rashid.&nbsp;The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) also confirmed the death of three cricketers in a detailed statement. The board did not hold back and has since withdrawn from a tri-nation T20I series, which involved Pakistan.

On Sunday, netizens observed Rashid’s X handle, which mentioned his current teams and the Afghanistan national side, highlighting his professional status.

Afghanistan cricketer Rashid Khan condemned Pakistan’s alleged airstrikes in Paktika province, as at least 10 people were killed in the wee hours of Saturday (Oct 18). Now Rashid has moved a step ahead and removed Pakistan Super League (PSL) side Lahore Qalandars from his X handle. This comes as he sympathises with the loss of life in Afghanistan while distancing himself from any association with Pakistan, which has been alleged to have carried out the airstrikes. Rashid removes Lahore Qalandars from X profile On Sunday, netizens observed Rashid’s X handle, which mentioned his current teams and the Afghanistan national side, highlighting his professional status. However, when compared to his Friday’s profile, Lahore Qalandars were missing from it. His current profile sees the mention of Afghanistan, Sydney Thunder and Gujarat Titans, but no Lahore Qalandars.

On Sunday, netizens observed Rashid’s X handle, which mentioned his current teams and the Afghanistan national side, highlighting his professional status.

Rashid Khan removes PSL side Lahore Qalandars from X profile, hours after Pakistan's deadly airstrikes

You know the moment is massive when the original Master Blaster, Viv Richards, who turned 72 on March 7, runs towards the players on the ground to celebrate his team’s victory.&nbsp;Quetta’s mentor in PSL 2024, took no time in getting up from his chair and running towards Saul Shakeel and Mohammad Wasim to celebrate their playoff-sealing win against Lahore Qalandars at the National Stadium in Karachi on Sunday (March 10).

Known for power-hitting and upsetting the best of pacers during his&nbsp;era, Richards had tears in his eyes as he hugged his team players after the must-win game for Quetta.&nbsp;

You can watch the video here –

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What did we just witness⁉️ 
 
Gladiator Wasim Jnr taking Quetta to the playoffs in style 😱👊<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HBLPSL9?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HBLPSL9</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KhulKeKhel?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KhulKeKhel</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QGvLQ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QGvLQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/X7Yi2DtQeZ">pic.twitter.com/X7Yi2DtQeZ</a>
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) <a href="https://twitter.com/thePSLt20/status/1766884658745344471?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Quetta in playoffs after four seasons</h2>

Having struggled to get going in the previous four seasons, Quetta finally broke the ice and reached the top four in PSL. Alongside Multan Sultans, Islamabad United, and Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta became the last team to enter the final four. Lahore and Karachi Kings are out of the race for the playoff berth.

Lahore won the toss and elected to bat first. After losing both openers inside the Powerplay to Abrar Ahmed, Abdullah Shafique got his team back on track. Shaheen Afridi promoted&nbsp;himself up the order, and added crucial runs to his tally, smashing a stunning half-century (55 off 34 balls), including four sixes and two fours.&nbsp;

Lahore scored 166 for four in 20 overs.

Jason Roy fell early in the chase on 18 before Jahandad Khan got Quetta captain Rilee Rossouw out trapped in front. Khawaja Nafay and Shakeel kept Quetta in the chase, with the left-handed batter completing his fifty.&nbsp;

Though Shaheen Afridi picked two wickets at the fag end of the innings, Wasim and Shakeel had different plans on&nbsp;how to win this match.&nbsp;

With 14 needed off the last over, Shakeel smashed a couple of fours off Afridi before Wasim, requiring&nbsp;four&nbsp;off the last delivery, hit a good length ball to deep square leg for a six and won the game for his team.&nbsp;

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I will take a lot of memories from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HBLPSL9?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HBLPSL9</a> with me. But this image of my guy Sir Vivian Richards charging on to the field to celebrate has to be right up there. That man, he has achieved more than most ever will in this game. &amp; for this to mean so much to him is moving. <a href="https://t.co/44QWvvVmDG">https://t.co/44QWvvVmDG</a>
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) <a href="https://twitter.com/irbishi/status/1766918643739132248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Quetta will play Multan Sultans in their last league match in PSL 2024 on March 12.

You know the moment is massive when the original Master Blaster, Viv Richards, who turned 72 on March 7, runs towards the players on the ground to celebrate his team’s victory.

You know the moment is massive when the original Master Blaster, Viv Richards, who turned 72 on March 7, runs towards the players on the ground to celebrate his team’s victory. Quetta’s mentor in PSL 2024, took no time in getting up from his chair and running towards Saul Shakeel and Mohammad Wasim to celebrate their playoff-sealing win against Lahore Qalandars at the National Stadium in Karachi on Sunday (March 10). Known for power-hitting and upsetting the best of pacers during his era, Richards had tears in his eyes as he hugged his team players after the must-win game for Quetta. You can watch the video here – What did we just witness⁉️ Gladiator Wasim Jnr taking Quetta to the playoffs in style 😱👊#HBLPSL9 | #KhulKeKhel | #QGvLQ pic.twitter.com/X7Yi2DtQeZ — PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) March 10, 2024 × Quetta in playoffs after four seasons Having struggled to get going in the previous four seasons, Quetta finally broke the ice and reached the top four in PSL. Alongside Multan Sultans, Islamabad United, and Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta became the last team to enter the final four. Lahore and Karachi Kings are out of the race for the playoff berth. Lahore won the toss and elected to bat first. After losing both openers inside the Powerplay to Abrar Ahmed, Abdullah Shafique got his team back on track. Shaheen Afridi promoted himself up the order, and added crucial runs to his tally, smashing a stunning half-century (55 off 34 balls), including four sixes and two fours. Lahore scored 166 for four in 20 overs. Jason Roy fell early in the chase on 18 before Jahandad Khan got Quetta captain Rilee Rossouw out trapped in front. Khawaja Nafay and Shakeel kept Quetta in the chase, with the left-handed batter completing his fifty. Though Shaheen Afridi picked two wickets at the fag end of the innings, Wasim and Shakeel had different plans on how to win this match. With 14 needed off the last over, Shakeel smashed a couple of fours off Afridi before Wasim, requiring four off the last delivery, hit a good length ball to deep square leg for a six and won the game for his team. I will take a lot of memories from #HBLPSL9 with me. But this image of my guy Sir Vivian Richards charging on to the field to celebrate has to be right up there. That man, he has achieved more than most ever will in this game. & for this to mean so much to him is moving. https://t.co/44QWvvVmDG — Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) March 10, 2024 × Quetta will play Multan Sultans in their last league match in PSL 2024 on March 12.

Viv Richards runs to ground to celebrate Quetta Gladiators’ playoff-sealing win in PSL 2024 – WATCH

Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Lahore Qalandars' owner Sameer Rana has called out the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for publicly denouncing pacer Haris Rauf. The PCB had announced the termination of Rauf's central contract for missing the Australia Tests played earlier this year in January 2024. The announcement came two days before the start of the ongoing PSL season where he plays for the Qalandars. Rauf was eventually <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/psl-2024-haris-rauf-ruled-out-of-remainder-of-tournament-with-shoulder-injury-693737">ruled out of the tournament</a> with a shoulder injury about a week ago.

"Rauf's our premier bowler, our highest wicket-taker after Shaheen Afridi. To publicly humiliate him and issue a press release announcing the termination of his central contract, I have never seen this happen anywhere," Rana said in a conversation with sports news outlet ESPNCricinfo.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/nathan-lyon-equals-unique-record-by-muttiah-muralidaran-and-shane-warne-with-five-for-vs-nz-in-1st-test-696191">Nathan Lyon equals unique record by Muttiah Muralidaran and Shane Warne with five-for vs NZ in 1st Test</a>

"I would never treat my employees like that. The timing of that announcement was wholly unnecessary. There was no Pakistan series coming up, or any emergency situation that necessitated the announcement two days before the PSL. Whatever the logic was, the timing was really bad. It was a huge blow psychologically for him, because his whole life's main aim is playing for Pakistan.

"The employee at least has the right for you to call, email or message them. None of that happened with Rauf, and it was pathetic. It was really poor management," Rana added.

Rauf has been dealing with some tough times ever since the Asia Cup 2023 where he left the group-stage match against India with an injury. He then took part in the ODI World Cup 2023, taking 16 wickets in nine league games before his team's exit ahead of the knockout stage.

After withdrawing from Australia Tests, he did play in the Big Bash League (BBL) there and last played for Pakistan in five T20Is versus the Kiwis in New Zealand in January.

Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Lahore Qalandars' owner Sameer Rana has called out the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for publicly denouncing pacer Haris Rauf.

Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Lahore Qalandars' owner Sameer Rana has called out the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for publicly denouncing pacer Haris Rauf. The PCB had announced the termination of Rauf's central contract for missing the Australia Tests played earlier this year in January 2024. The announcement came two days before the start of the ongoing PSL season where he plays for the Qalandars. Rauf was eventually ruled out of the tournament with a shoulder injury about a week ago. "Rauf's our premier bowler, our highest wicket-taker after Shaheen Afridi. To publicly humiliate him and issue a press release announcing the termination of his central contract, I have never seen this happen anywhere," Rana said in a conversation with sports news outlet ESPNCricinfo. Also Read: Nathan Lyon equals unique record by Muttiah Muralidaran and Shane Warne with five-for vs NZ in 1st Test "I would never treat my employees like that. The timing of that announcement was wholly unnecessary. There was no Pakistan series coming up, or any emergency situation that necessitated the announcement two days before the PSL. Whatever the logic was, the timing was really bad. It was a huge blow psychologically for him, because his whole life's main aim is playing for Pakistan. "The employee at least has the right for you to call, email or message them. None of that happened with Rauf, and it was pathetic. It was really poor management," Rana added. Rauf has been dealing with some tough times ever since the Asia Cup 2023 where he left the group-stage match against India with an injury. He then took part in the ODI World Cup 2023, taking 16 wickets in nine league games before his team's exit ahead of the knockout stage. After withdrawing from Australia Tests, he did play in the Big Bash League (BBL) there and last played for Pakistan in five T20Is versus the Kiwis in New Zealand in January.

PSL franchise owner calls out Pakistan Cricket over 'humiliating' pacer Haris Rauf

Lahore Qalandars became the first team to win back-to-back Pakistan Super League titles on Saturday, beating Multan Sultans by one run in a thrilling final.

Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi took 4-51 after smashing a rapid 44 not out but had to effect a run out at the bowler's end as Multan's Khushdil Shah tried to make a third run to force a super over.

Qalandars had scored 200-6 in their 20 overs before a packed 25,000 Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and Sultans finished on 199-8.&nbsp;

Qalandars had also defeated Sultans in last year's final.

Shaheen conceded 34 runs in his opening two overs as Sultans raced to 101-1 in 10 overs, with Rilee Rossouw (52) and Mohammad Rizwan (34) adding 64 for the second wicket.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-2nd-odi-rain-likely-to-play-spoilsport-during-second-contest-in-visakhapatnam-reports-573448">IND vs AUS 2nd ODI: Rain likely to play spoilsport during second contest in Visakhapatnam - Reports</a>

Rossouw smashed seven fours and two sixes off just 32 balls.

But Shaheen returned for his second spell to dismiss Kieron Pollard (19), Tim David (20), Anwar Ali (one) and Usama Mir (nought).

With 35 needed in the last two overs, Shah and Abbas Afridi took 22 from Haris Rauf's 19th over but failed to get 13 in the last.

"We reached the final again and won the title for a second time so that's a reward for teamwork," said Shaheen.

"We played well in the final but it was a tense win."

Earlier, Qalandars were lifted by a rampaging Shaheen who clobbered a 15-ball 44 not out with five towering sixes and two fours, helping his team smash 85 runs in the last five overs.

Abdullah Shafique top-scored with a 40-ball 65.

Shafique and Fakhar Zaman (39) took Qalandars to 95-1 after their team won the toss and batted and opener Mirza Baig hammered an 18-ball 30.

But once Zaman was dismissed, Qalandars lost four wickets in the space of 18 balls, slumping to 112-5.

Shaheen promoted himself to number seven and instantly made an impact, as he and Shafique hit 24 runs in the 17th over from pacer Ihsanullah.

Leg-spinner Usama Mir was the pick of Sultans' bowlers with 3-24.

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Lahore Qalandars became the first team to win back-to-back Pakistan Super League titles on Saturday, beating Multan Sultans by one run in a thrilling final. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi took 4-51 after smashing a rapid 44 not out but had to effect a run out at the bowler's end as Multan's Khushdil Shah tried to make a third run to force a super over.

Lahore Qalandars became the first team to win back-to-back Pakistan Super League titles on Saturday, beating Multan Sultans by one run in a thrilling final. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi took 4-51 after smashing a rapid 44 not out but had to effect a run out at the bowler's end as Multan's Khushdil Shah tried to make a third run to force a super over. Qalandars had scored 200-6 in their 20 overs before a packed 25,000 Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and Sultans finished on 199-8. Qalandars had also defeated Sultans in last year's final. Shaheen conceded 34 runs in his opening two overs as Sultans raced to 101-1 in 10 overs, with Rilee Rossouw (52) and Mohammad Rizwan (34) adding 64 for the second wicket. Also Read: IND vs AUS 2nd ODI: Rain likely to play spoilsport during second contest in Visakhapatnam - Reports Rossouw smashed seven fours and two sixes off just 32 balls. But Shaheen returned for his second spell to dismiss Kieron Pollard (19), Tim David (20), Anwar Ali (one) and Usama Mir (nought). With 35 needed in the last two overs, Shah and Abbas Afridi took 22 from Haris Rauf's 19th over but failed to get 13 in the last. "We reached the final again and won the title for a second time so that's a reward for teamwork," said Shaheen. "We played well in the final but it was a tense win." Earlier, Qalandars were lifted by a rampaging Shaheen who clobbered a 15-ball 44 not out with five towering sixes and two fours, helping his team smash 85 runs in the last five overs. Abdullah Shafique top-scored with a 40-ball 65. Shafique and Fakhar Zaman (39) took Qalandars to 95-1 after their team won the toss and batted and opener Mirza Baig hammered an 18-ball 30. But once Zaman was dismissed, Qalandars lost four wickets in the space of 18 balls, slumping to 112-5. Shaheen promoted himself to number seven and instantly made an impact, as he and Shafique hit 24 runs in the 17th over from pacer Ihsanullah. Leg-spinner Usama Mir was the pick of Sultans' bowlers with 3-24. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Defending champions Lahore Qalandars beat Multan Sultans by 1 run to win back-to-back PSL titles

Defending champions Lahore Qalandars have made it to their third final in the past four seasons following a four-wicket win over Peshawar Zalmi in Eliminator 2. By going against the odds in the all-important clash on Friday night at the Gaddafi Stadium, Qalandars won their first match while chasing in PSL 2023. This win came on the back of a complete team show by Shaheen’s men.

Electing to bat first after winning the toss, Zalmi lost their find of the season Saim Ayub early by Zaman Khan. Captain Babar Azam and the man-in-form Mohammad Haris then bailed their team out of trouble with an 89-run stand for the second wicket. While Babar missed out on hitting his sixth half-century of PSL 2023, Haris completed his, scoring 85 off 54 balls with 11 fours and two sixes to his name.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/arshdeep-singh-agrees-to-play-five-matches-for-kent-in-county-championship-573196">Arshdeep Singh agrees to play five matches for Kent in County Championship</a>

Fast bowler Zaman Khan continued his impressive run as he returned with figures of two for 20 in three overs. Star seamer Shaheen Afridi on the other end, conceded at over ten runs per over and only picked one wicket.

The chase, however, revolved around opener Mirza Tahir Baig, who scored a 42-ball 54.

While wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals, Mirza held one end and played with a cautious approach. Handy cameos from the overseas pair of Sam Billing (28) and all-rounder Sikandar Raza (23) kept Qalandars in the chase as the match entered into the final two overs with the defending champions having their noses ahead.

The late blitz from Shaheen Afridi and experienced David Wiese ensured Qalandars completed the chase with seven balls and four wickets in hand. With this, they also became the first team this season to successfully hunt down a target at this stadium.

Shaheen Afridi-led Lahore Qalandars will now take on Multan Sultans in the finals, scheduled for Saturday, March 18th at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Defending champions Lahore Qalandars have made it to their third final in the past four seasons following a four-wicket win over Peshawar Zalmi in Eliminator 2. By going against the odds in the all-important clash on Friday night at the Gaddafi Stadium, Qalandars won their first match while chasing in PSL 2023.

Defending champions Lahore Qalandars have made it to their third final in the past four seasons following a four-wicket win over Peshawar Zalmi in Eliminator 2. By going against the odds in the all-important clash on Friday night at the Gaddafi Stadium, Qalandars won their first match while chasing in PSL 2023. This win came on the back of a complete team show by Shaheen’s men. Electing to bat first after winning the toss, Zalmi lost their find of the season Saim Ayub early by Zaman Khan. Captain Babar Azam and the man-in-form Mohammad Haris then bailed their team out of trouble with an 89-run stand for the second wicket. While Babar missed out on hitting his sixth half-century of PSL 2023, Haris completed his, scoring 85 off 54 balls with 11 fours and two sixes to his name. ALSO READ: Arshdeep Singh agrees to play five matches for Kent in County Championship Fast bowler Zaman Khan continued his impressive run as he returned with figures of two for 20 in three overs. Star seamer Shaheen Afridi on the other end, conceded at over ten runs per over and only picked one wicket. The chase, however, revolved around opener Mirza Tahir Baig, who scored a 42-ball 54. While wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals, Mirza held one end and played with a cautious approach. Handy cameos from the overseas pair of Sam Billing (28) and all-rounder Sikandar Raza (23) kept Qalandars in the chase as the match entered into the final two overs with the defending champions having their noses ahead. The late blitz from Shaheen Afridi and experienced David Wiese ensured Qalandars completed the chase with seven balls and four wickets in hand. With this, they also became the first team this season to successfully hunt down a target at this stadium. Shaheen Afridi-led Lahore Qalandars will now take on Multan Sultans in the finals, scheduled for Saturday, March 18th at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

PSL 2023: Lahore Qalandars set up final date with Multan Sultans after win over Peshawar Zalmi in Eliminator 2

Sri Lanka's&nbsp;cricket&nbsp;legend Kumar Sangakkara&nbsp;has returned to Pakistan for the first time since&nbsp;the 2009 terror attacks in which the Lankan national team was targeted outside the Gaddafi Stadium in&nbsp;Lahore.&nbsp;

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Sangakkara arrives in Lahore with his MCC team | Twitter/@ PCB</h6>

&nbsp;

The former Lankan wicketkeeper-captain will be leading the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) squad who are set to clash with Pakistan Super League's Lahore Qalandars in the first T20 match of the four-match tour.

The MCC will open their tour of Pakistan with a Twenty20 match in Lahore on Friday. The remaining matches of the tour will also be played in the city on February 16, 17 and 19.

The match will take place in the same Gaddafi Stadium, where the Sri Lankan team was attacked by terrorists&nbsp;in 2009 which left eight people dead.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Whole Lankan team using&nbsp;Pak Army helicopter to get airlifted&nbsp;after 2009 attacks | AFP</h6>

&nbsp;

The 42-year-old himself was wounded after he suffered a shrapnel wound&nbsp;to his shoulder.&nbsp;He had a narrow escape after a bullet whistled past his head as the Sri Lankan players lay pinned down on the floor of the team bus.

&nbsp;

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Sri Lankan spinner Ajanta Mendis injured&nbsp;during&nbsp;the attack in 2009 | AFP</h6>

&nbsp;

International cricket is only now slowly returning to normal in Pakistan.&nbsp;They hosted Sri Lanka late last year for their first home Test series since the 2009 attack.

According to Sangakkara who is also the president of MCC said that Pakistan is restoring its image as a safe destination for cricket.

After his arrival in Lahore on Thursday, he said: "Security is always a major concern everywhere in the world."

Kumar Sangakkara said: "I think the steps that have been taken in Pakistan over the past few years have instilled a great amount of confidence in the cricketing nations."

"I think slowly and surely that confidence is building up and the more times international sides tour, that message becomes stronger and harder to ignore," he added.&nbsp;

Cricketing great Sangakkara said that playing in Lahore will send out a powerful message.

Sri Lanka's cricket legend Kumar Sangakkara has returned to Pakistan for the first time since the 2009 terror attacks in which the Lankan national team was targeted outside the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Sri Lanka's cricket legend Kumar Sangakkara has returned to Pakistan for the first time since the 2009 terror attacks in which the Lankan national team was targeted outside the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Sangakkara arrives in Lahore with his MCC team | Twitter/@ PCB The former Lankan wicketkeeper-captain will be leading the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) squad who are set to clash with Pakistan Super League's Lahore Qalandars in the first T20 match of the four-match tour. The MCC will open their tour of Pakistan with a Twenty20 match in Lahore on Friday. The remaining matches of the tour will also be played in the city on February 16, 17 and 19. The match will take place in the same Gaddafi Stadium, where the Sri Lankan team was attacked by terrorists in 2009 which left eight people dead. Whole Lankan team using Pak Army helicopter to get airlifted after 2009 attacks | AFP The 42-year-old himself was wounded after he suffered a shrapnel wound to his shoulder. He had a narrow escape after a bullet whistled past his head as the Sri Lankan players lay pinned down on the floor of the team bus. Sri Lankan spinner Ajanta Mendis injured during the attack in 2009 | AFP International cricket is only now slowly returning to normal in Pakistan. They hosted Sri Lanka late last year for their first home Test series since the 2009 attack. According to Sangakkara who is also the president of MCC said that Pakistan is restoring its image as a safe destination for cricket. After his arrival in Lahore on Thursday, he said: "Security is always a major concern everywhere in the world." Kumar Sangakkara said: "I think the steps that have been taken in Pakistan over the past few years have instilled a great amount of confidence in the cricketing nations." "I think slowly and surely that confidence is building up and the more times international sides tour, that message becomes stronger and harder to ignore," he added. Cricketing great Sangakkara said that playing in Lahore will send out a powerful message.

Kumar Sangakkara visits Lahore for first time after 2009 bus attack on Lankan team