ICC withdraws Champions Trophy from Pakistan

Dubai: Citing security concerns, the International Cricket Council (ICC) Sunday withdraw the Champions Trophy from Pakistan, which was scheduled to host it in September.
The Champions Trophy was originally to be held in Pakistan last year but was postponed as several top teams expressed their reservation about touring the strife-torn country due to security issues.

At its Board meeting at Perth, the ICC said the tournament will be relocated from Pakistan.

"With several members expressing reservations about touring Pakistan, it would be prudent to relocate the event from that country," ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said.

"It is unfortunate the ICC Champions Trophy will not take place in Pakistan due to circumstances completely beyond the control of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)," he added.

ICC, however, said that PCB would retain the revenue due for hosting the tournament.

"In view of the challenges facing the PCB, the Board agreed that, irrespective of the location of the event, Pakistan would retain the revenue due for hosting the tournament."

The Board will decide on the new location before its next meeting in April.

"The board has accepted the need for certainty in planning for and delivering a world-class event and will now assess where the event should be held," Lorgat said.

An ICC task team will visit Pakistan and work with the PCB to find ways to ensure that international cricket is played in the country