On this day: In 2009 when one man saved Sri Lankan cricketers from terror attack in Pakistan

When a Sri Lankan fast bowler had wished 'a bomb' to get detonated so that players can go home at the time did not realise that his wish would come true as moments later, bullets were flying everywhere and the security of the players was compromised in Lahore.  

On March 03, 2009, the Mahela Jayawardene-led side was gearing up to resume play on Day 3 of the 2nd Test at the famous Gaddafi Stadium. 

While they were glued to their usual banter on the tour bus, terrorists equipped with Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs) and assault rifles orchestrated an ambush on the vehicle.

As many as 6 Sri Lankan cricketers along with the team's British assistant coach were severely injured when the terrorists opened fire on the cricketers and supporting staff of the visiting team. At least 8 people lost their lives. 

However, Meher Khalil, made sure there were no more casualties. So who is Meher Khalil?

The lifesaver was the man who drove the bus carrying the Sri Lankan cricketers to safety through firings.  While all still remember him for his humanity, he, however, feels the fatal incident is best to be forgotten.

He had told AFP, "Initially I thought that they were Lahorites and were celebrating with the firecrackers. But when two people came towards me and started firing at me then I realised that it was some other kind of work."

He was shaken into action when the players began shouting "Go! Go!"

"Those words were like a 440-volt current jolting through my body. I gathered myself and then hit the throttle. There were 10 to 12 people who attacked them as they were coming from the team hotel," he added.

"Thank God I kept my confidence and dashed them (the players) safely to the stadium."