India open to Trophy switch

Niranjan Shah would be happy for Sri Lanka to host the ICC Champions Trophy

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India has claimed it would not oppose the ICC Champions Trophy being relocated to Sri Lanka.

The International Cricket Council tournament, which is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from September 12 to 28, suffered a major setback after Cricket South Africa announced it would not be sending a team due to security fears.

CSA also urged the ICC to move the tournament to alternative venue Sri Lanka and the governing body is set to make a decision on the matter later on Sunday following a teleconference with board members.

The BCCI had previously supported Pakistan but the Indian board appears to have now changed their stance.

"We have firmly backed Pakistan to host the tournament," said BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah.

"However, we have no problem with the tournament being shifted to Sri Lanka either."

The Pakistan Cricket Board, meanwhile, are sticking to their guns, insisting the tournament should be held in Pakistan as scheduled.

"It's a grim situation, there is no doubt about it," Shafqat Naghmi, PCB's chief operating officer said.

"But we will continue to make efforts to hold the tournament next month and will fight till the end.

"If a decision is made by the governing body to move the tournament out of Pakistan then we reserve the right to boycott the ICC Champions Trophy."

The ICC could be left with no other option than to postpone the tournament if the PCB delivers on its threat.

Finding fresh dates for the tournament, however, would prove a further headache as most teams have a packed international calendar next year.

At Sunday`s board meeting, the ICC would also explore the option of shifting the tournament to a neutral venue such as the United Arab Emirates.