Fate of Champions Trophy to be revealed on Sunday, says ICC

The International Cricket Council said it is likely to make a final decision on the ill-fated Champions Trophy in Pakistan on Sunday.

The eight-nation, biennial event, scheduled for September, has run into serious doubts after players from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and England raised security concerns.

"It is anticipated the ICC task team tele-conference will take place today and the ICC Board tele-conference will be held on Sunday," said an ICC press release after a meeting at headquarters in Dubai.

The meeting was held a day after Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) urged their players not to tour following a wave of suicide bombings and ongoing political instability.

The ICC last month decided to keep the event in Pakistan despite security fears. It also appointed an eight-man task force to oversee security arrangements in the host country in an effort to allay fears about safety.

But Australian newspapers have since reported that the ACA had advised their players not to travel to Pakistan.

"The ACA has discussed the situation with its executive and our position is we can't recommend to our players they should tour Pakistan for the Champions Trophy," chief executive Paul Marsh was quoted as saying by The Australian newspaper.