Perth, Feb. 1 : In what may be seen as a major jolt to the Pakistan Cricket Board's hope of reviving international cricket in the country, the International Cricket Council
(ICC) has decided to relocate the 2009 Champions Trophy from Pakistan.

In a meeting of the ICC Board here today, it was decided that due to the reluctance of several teams to visit Pakistan, it would be prudent to relocate the event, scheduled for September/October 2009.

However, the ICC said that it would send a delegation to visit Pakistan and work with the PCB to find ways to bring back international cricket in the country.

"It is unfortunate the ICC Champions Trophy will not take place in Pakistan due to circumstances completely beyond the control of the PCB. However, the Board has accepted the need for certainty in planning for and delivering a world-class event and will now assess where the event should be held," chief executive of the ICC Haroon Lorgat said.

The deteriorating security condition of Pakistan and its political instability has seen several teams deciding not to tour the country in the recent times.

Two home series, against Australia and West Indies, were relocated aftermath the 9/11 incident. Then Australia refused to come to Pakistan citing security concerns, and India too pulled out of a tour in the wake of the Mumbai terrorist strikes. (ANI)