ICC allays Trophy concerns

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The International Cricket Council have reiterated their belief that next year's postponed Champions Trophy in Pakistan will go ahead.

The tournament was originally scheduled to begin on Friday, but after concerns by a number of the ICC's member nations regarding security in the strife-torn country a decision was made last month to postpone the event until September or October next year.

The exact dates were expected to be announced following an ICC executive meeting last week, but the decision was deferred after an agreement could not be reached.

It is understood the Board of Control for Cricket in India were concerned the re-scheduled dates would conflict with their already planned seven-match one-day international series with Australia.

The second edition of the Champions League, which is due to run from September 25 to October 11 next year, has also provided for a jam-packed fixture list.

Reports on Sunday, however, suggested the BCCI were willing to be flexible on the fixturing of their ODI series with Australia to accommodate the staging of the Champions Trophy.

And with ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat set to meet the affected member nations in the next few weeks, it is looking increasingly likely that a resolution will soon be found.

"The ICC board, which includes India, are unanimously committed to staging the postponed Champions Trophy in September or October next year," an ICC spokesman said.

"It is a case of all the member nations trying to find a resolution that suits everyone.

"As discussed at last week's meeting the member nations are as one in trying to come to a decision to allow the Champions Trophy to go ahead in September or October next year.

"Certainly it is not a point of conflict."

While Lorgat's proposed meetings with the member boards are yet to be scheduled, the spokesman said he would conduct those talks "sooner rather than later" with a final decision expected at an ICC board meeting next month.