Pakistani umpire injured in the Lahore attack recovering

(Colombo Lankapuvath March 19) A Pakistani umpire shot during a terrorist attack on a convoy taking the Sri Lankan cricket team to a match at Lahore on 3rd March is still in hospital recovering from his wounds.

Ahsan Raza was the fourth umpire and was traveling in a van with other match officials behind the Sri Lankan team bus when he was shot in the abdomen, causing injuries to his lungs and liver.

"The doctors say it will take another 8-10 days to recover from the wounds," Raza told The Associated Press from his hospital bed.

Raza, a 34-year-old father of three, remained conscious for at least 45 minutes after the shooting before he was rushed to hospital and for urgent surgery.

He underwent two major operations and, according to Ali, his brother doctors have so far used 20 pints of blood to keep Raza’s blood pressure normal.

Two Sri Lanka cricketers injured in the attacks and airlifted to Colombo were expected to be released this week.

Thilan Samaraweera, who needed a bullet removal from his left thigh, and Ajantha Mendis, who had head injuries from shrapnel, were expected to recover fully. Their team mates were to return to practice next week, while psychologists were appointed to help them work through the ordeal.