Broad was the match referee for the Second Test of the Sri Lanka in Pakistan series, and was in a convoy of vehicles that was attacked by terrorists in the 2009 attack on the Sri Lanka national cricket team. During the attack he reportedly risked his life to protect an injured umpire. He and umpire Simon Taufel subsequently criticised the level of protection provided to officials and players, saying in a press conference, "We were promised high levels of security and in our hour of need that security vanished". Six Pakistani policemen and two civilians were killed during the attack, and six Sri Lankan cricketers were injured.