Over the years, a number of incidents have marred what has otherwise been a sport that unites millions across communities (Images via X/Screengrabs & AP)

Cricket is a sport that unites millions across the world. However, it has occasionally been marred by violence and terror. From targeted attacks on players to cross-border airstrikes, the game has witnessed moments of shock that shook the global cricket community.Sri Lanka Team Attack in Lahore (2009) During the second Test in Lahore, masked terrorists targeted the Sri Lankan team bus en route to the Gaddafi Stadium. Captain Mahela Jayawardene and deputy Kumar Sangakkara, along with Ajantha Mendis, Thilan Samaraweera, and Tharanga Paravitarana, sustained minor injuries.The attack claimed the lives of six security personnel and two civilians. The Test was immediately called off, and the tour was canceled. This marked the first time sportsmen were specifically targeted since the 1972 Munich Olympics, highlighting the severe risks teams can face abroad.New Zealand Tour abandoned after bomb blast (2002) A suicide bomb outside the Pearl Continental Hotel in Karachi forced New Zealand to abandon their Pakistan tour. While players were unharmed, physio Dayle Shackel received minor injuries. ICC referee Mike Procter said, “Due to the security situation, the tour has been called off after mutual consultation between the PCB, NZC and the Black Caps team manager Jeff Crowe.” PCB Director Brig Munawar Rana added, “This indeed is unfortunate for our country and our cricket… but this incident really was beyond our control.”Afghan Cricketers killed (2025) Following a cross-border airstrike in Paktika province, Afghanistan withdrew from a tri-nation T20 series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Three young cricketers – Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon – were killed, along with five civilians.

Locals inspect the site of a cross-border airstrike by Pakistan in Afghanistan’s eastern Paktika province on Saturday (AP Photo/Shafiqullah Mashaal)

Captain Rashid Khan called the attack “absolutely immoral and barbaric,” while Mohammad Nabi said, “This incident is not only a tragedy for Paktika but for the entire Afghan cricket family and the nation as a whole.”

The ICC and BCCI condemned the incident and sided with the Afghanistan Cricket Board following the shocking incident.