Champions Trophy decision looms

The International Cricket Council will decide this week whether to relocate the Champions Trophy from Pakistan.

There remain concerns about safety in the country ahead of the tournament, which is due to take place in September.

The ICC’s security consultants delivered a briefing to representatives of all eight participating teams yesterday, having reviewed security issues at the recent Asia Cup in Pakistan.

The meeting also heard from the Pakistan Cricket Board on its plans for dealing with potential problems before and during the Champions Trophy, and the ICC board will make a decision on a possible change of venue this week.

An ICC statement read: “These concerns will now be taken to the ICC board during the course of this week with the board then arriving at a definitive decision on the location of this year’s ICC Champions Trophy.

“Until or unless the board decides otherwise, the tournament will proceed in Pakistan.”