Champions Trophy: ICC backs Pakistan

The International Cricket Council's acting chief executive, Dave Richardson, on Wednesday confirmed that Pakistan will host the Champions Trophy. However Richardson added that the ICC will closely monitor security conditions in Pakistan ahead of the eight-team tournament in September.

Media reports in Australia said that the country's leading cricketers are contemplating a boycott of the tournament in wake of the security situation in Pakistan. Australia had postponed their planned tour of Pakistan in March because of fears over the safety of their players after a spate of suicide bombings.

Richardson added that if the majority of the executive board members wanted the Champions Trophy to go ahead in Pakistan then any country backing out for any reason would have to face the consequences and penalties.