Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Referee Broad returns to cricket

Chris Broad
Broad has faced a backlash after criticising Pakistan's security efforts

English match referee Chris Broad will return to cricket on Wednesday for the first time since being caught up in February's terrorist attack in Lahore.

Broad, 51, is to referee three matches on the opening day of the ICC World Cup Qualifier taking place in South Africa.

Seven people were killed and seven Sri Lankan players and a team official wounded when armed men attacked a bus taking them to the Gaddafi Stadium.

Broad, who was among those attacked, criticised security after the ambush.

His comments led the Pakistan Cricket Board to make an official complaint, with chief operating officer Saleem Altaf saying: "We believe Broad made unwarranted critical remarks about the security."

The former England batsman was travelling to the Gaddafi Stadium along with fellow match officials Simon Taufel, Steve Davis, Nadeem Ghouri and Ahsan Raza when his bus came under fire.

606: DEBATE

The driver of Broad's vehicle was killed in the attack and local umpire Raza was seriously injured.

Broad will take charge of the games between Scotland and Ireland in Benoni, Canada versus Oman in Pretoria and Namibia against Uganda in Krugersdorp.

He will also officiate in all four of the other matchdays during the opening round of the 19-day tournament.

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