Kumar Sangakkara Reflects on the 2009 Lahore Attack and Its Life-Changing Impact

Kumar Sangakkara, the former captain of Sri Lanka, reflects on the 2009 Lahore terror attack that changed his life. He shares insights on the incident's impact on his perspective regarding privilege and heroism, emphasizing the sacrifices made by others compared to his life as a cricketer. This interview sheds light on the emotional aftermath of a traumatic event and the broader context of Sri Lanka's struggles during that time.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 14, 2026, 13:04 IST

Sangakkara's Insights on the Lahore Terror Attack

In a recent interview, former Sri Lankan cricket captain Kumar Sangakkara shared his thoughts on the profound effects of the 2009 Lahore terror attack. He recounted the harrowing events of March 3, 2009, when the Sri Lankan team bus was ambushed while heading to the Gaddafi Stadium. Sangakkara recalled a moment in the hotel before the attack when a teammate jokingly expressed a wish for a bomb to go off, only to have that wish turn into a grim reality moments later.

The attack, executed by armed assailants, resulted in injuries to several players and staff, while tragically claiming the lives of six policemen and the driver. Sangakkara himself sustained injuries during this traumatic event. Reflecting on the incident, he noted that it shifted his perspective on life and privilege.

Despite not experiencing nightmares or flashbacks, Sangakkara expressed a deep sense of gratitude and a clearer understanding of the situation in Sri Lanka at that time. He pointed out that while they were in the midst of a war, their incident garnered significant media attention.

Weeks later, during a conversation in Colombo, a police officer referred to the cricketers as heroes, to which Sangakkara responded by emphasizing the everyday sacrifices made by those in the armed forces. This experience highlighted the stark differences between his life as a cricketer and the realities faced by many others.