We are supporting Pakistan: BCCI

Lahore, Aug 22 (UNI) Setting aside its traditional rivalry with Pakistan, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) today supported the strife-torn country for hosting the Champions' Trophy.

While Pakistan awaits the ICC board's decision which meets on Sunday whether to hold the prestigious event, India backs Pakistan with BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah urged other cricket boards and its players to trust the security assurances given by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the government.

''We are supporting Pakistan. I think everything depends on Pakistan and on what are the concern about security. If they say everything is okay and the tournament can be held as per the schedule then we are with them,'' Shah told Geo News.

When asked what would be India's stance if the ICC decides to relocate the event to some other country, Shah said, ''At the moment I cannot answer this question. Let this situation come first. There is a meeting (via teleconference) on August 24 in which everything will be decided,''he said.

Replying to another query that if there's any possibility of India and Pakistan playing any series if the Champions Trophy is postponed, or relocated, Shah stated, ''No, it is not possible because we have full series in Pakistan later this year.'' However, sources said its all because of India's insistance on playing the mega event in Pakistan which has forced the ICC and the teams, which are not willing to tour Pakistan, to reconsider their stands.

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