Karachi, July 9 : In what would be the second successive setback for Pakistan cricket, the ICC might shift the forthcoming Champions Trophy (from Pakistan) to either Sri Lanka or South Africa, after the recent spate on bombings in Islamabad and Karachi.

Earlier, Australia had 'postponed' it tour to Pakistan in March-April, citing security reasons.

Leading players from some of the competing nations like Australia, England and New Zealand had been raising security concerns over the trip to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy scheduled for September.

According to The News, a senior PCB official admitted that the PCB was preparing itself to swallow the 'bitter pill', as it was aware that the may shift the tournament from Pakistan any time this month.

"It would be a huge setback for Pakistan cricket and I'm sure that the ICC is aware of it. We know that the ICC is under pressure to shift the Champions Trophy away from Pakistan but they should think about the greater interest of cricket before making any such move," the paper quoted the unidentified official as saying.

The PCB official said that Pakistan had "done everything possible" for the successful staging of the Champions Trophy.

"We didn't leave any stone unturned. We promised fool-proof security, involved the government at the highest-level, used diplomacy, upgraded our facilities. But if they still take away the Champions Trophy from here then it would be very unfair," he added.

ANI