India Backing For Hosts Pakistan

Pakistan - on the brink of losing out.

On Friday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India said it supported Pakistan hosting the Champions Trophy.

"We are firmly behind Pakistan," BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah told Geo News. "I think it all depends on Pakistan and what they have to say on the security issue.

"If Pakistan says the country is safe to play in and the tournament can be held on schedule, they have our support."

Shah also dismissed reports that India would agree to play in a four-nation one-day series in Pakistan should the Champions Trophy be either cancelled or moved out of the country.

"I can't say what the BCCI stance would be should the tournament be cancelled or moved from Pakistan," he added.

"In any case, it is not possible for us to play in a tournament in Pakistan because India has a full series in Pakistan later in the year."

The eight-team tournament is scheduled to be held from September 12 to 28.