Gibbs, Oram opt out of T20 tourney in Pakistan

[[JUGRAJ SINGH]]

Terrorism dealt a new blow to Pakistan cricket as former Test cricketers Herschelle Gibbs and Jacob Oram opted out of a Twenty20 competition, following a deadly attack by Taliban militants at a Karachi airport. At least 27 people were killed on Sunday, 8th June 2014, when Taliban militants disguised as security forces stormed the Jinnah International Airport.

South African batsman Gibbs and New Zealander all-rounder Oram were due to play for Omar Associates in July in a high-profile T20 tournament held on a yearly basis in Karachi.

Speaking to Reuters, entrepreneur Nadeem Omar said: "We spoke to them through their agent and they were keen to come but after this incident the agent has said they have been told not to travel to Pakistan. What happened is most unfortunate and disappointing because we were looking forward to hosting Gibbs and Oram but we are still trying to convince them they should come to Karachi."

No Test-playing team has visited Pakistan since the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore in March 2009. Most of the top Pakistan players turn out in the T20 tournament and the competition, which is shown live on domestic television, has attracted big crowds.