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Pakistani helicopter evacuates Sri Lankan team

LAHORE, Pakistan: A Pakistani air force helicopter on Tuesday evacuated the Sri Lankan cricket team from Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium following a deadly ambush, an AFP reporter said. Sixteen members of the team ran towards the military aircraft on the pitch under guard of security officials, said the correspondent. The helicopter then took off. "The helicopter will take them straight to the Lahore airport from where they will fly home," a Pakistan Cricket Board official told PTI. The two injured Sri Lankan players -- Thilan Samaraweera and Tharanga Paranavitana who were hit by gunshots -- will be taken to the airport straight from the hospital as they are out of danger. PCB chairman Ejaz Butt and other Board officials were present at the Gaddafi stadium ground from where the helicopter airlifted the players and officials. PTI reported. Sri Lanka has chartered a plane to evacuate the national cricket team from Lahore, sports minister Gamini Lokuge said. "I don't have all the details, but we are chartering a plane to bring our cricketers home as soon as possible, preferably by tonight," Lokuge said. Officials said earlier they were trying to fly the 25-member team through either Abu Dhabi or Dubai. Sri Lanka’s tour to Pakistan was called off immediately after the attacks. At least six Sri Lankan cricketers were injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire at them killing five police personnel escorting the team to the Gaddafi stadium for the third day of the second Test.

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