PERTH, Feb 1: Pakistan cricket suffered a double setback on Sunday when the International Cricket Council (ICC) decided to move the Champions Trophy out of the troubled country. In addition, cricket’s ruling body restored the initial result of an England win in the controversial 2006 Oval Test, forfeited by Pakistan.

The Champions Trophy was postponed from 2008 to September/October this year after five of the eight nations involved in the premier one-day event had said they would not send a team due to security concerns.

“The ICC Board accepted that with several members expressing reservations about touring Pakistan it would be prudent to relocate the event, scheduled for September/October, from that country,” it said after its two-day board meeting.

“The Board resolved to make a decision on the location for the event before its next scheduled meeting, in April.”

On the Oval Test decision, the ICC said it had made the decision after taking legal advice and receiving input from the Marylebone Cricket Club, the custodians of the Laws of Cricket.

“I’m gratified the Board reached the conclusion it did as this ensures the integrity of the game and the Laws of Cricket have been upheld,” added ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat.

“I’m especially grateful to the Pakistan Cricket Board for its understanding in this matter.”

—Agencies