Former Pakistan cricket captain Imran Khan told the BBC on Tuesday the ambush on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore was one of the worst security failures ever seen in his country.

Khan, who retired from cricket in 1992 and now heads his own political party, said the security provided to the team was less than that provided to most Pakistani ministers, branding it “completely shameful”.

“I think this was one of the worst security failures in Pakistan,” he told the BBC.

“The Pakistan government guaranteed the Sri Lankan cricket team that they would provide them security, and to see the type of security provided to the Sri Lankan cricket team was completely shameful.”

He added: “It certainly is a disaster for Pakistan sport.

“But I think much more, I think this was targeted at Pakistan’s economy and destabilising the country.”

Eight people were killed and seven players wounded when up to 12 gunmen attacked the squad’s convoy near the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore with rockets, hand grenades and automatic weapons, police said.

Imran, an outstanding all-rounder, played 88 Tests and 175 one-day internationals. He retired after captaining Pakistan to victory against England in the 1992 World Cup final in Melbourne.