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ICC Champions Trophy

Cricket South Africa confirmed on Friday that the Proteas would not take part if the Champions Trophy remained in Pakistan.

With this decision, the pressure has increased on the International Cricket Council to switch the tournament to an alternative country.

The decision, labelled as "rash and negative" by the Pakistan Cricket Board, came after a meeting between CSA officials and an ICC task force in Johannesburg.

The ICC were hoping the delegation led by chief executive Haroon Lorgat would allay fears over player safety after a series of bomb blasts in Pakistan over recent months but CSA remained unconvinced.

"After extensive discussions and a frank exchange of views, the Board resolved not to send our team at this time to Pakistan to participate in the ICC Champions Trophy," CSA president Norman Arendse said in a statement.

South African Cricketers' Association chief Tony Irish backed CSA's decision, insisting player safety was paramount.

"This was a difficult decision but it was the right one. There is nothing more important than the safety of our national team," Irish said.

"We appreciate all the efforts of the ICC task team, the Pakistan Cricket Board, the Pakistan authorities and the security consultants.

"The players are naturally disappointed for their fans and the people of Pakistan that they will not have a chance to see them in action in that country in September."

The news was greeted with surprise and dismay in Pakistan.

"This is a rash and negative decision," PCB chief operating officer Shafqat Naghmi told reporters.

"They (CSA) should have waited until Sunday when a final decision on the future of the tournament was to be announced.

Naghmi added: "It will badly hurt the possibilities of the tournament going ahead now."

South Africa's stance may set a precedent with Australia, New Zealand and England all thought to be considering pulling out.

Sri Lanka are the designated back-up hosts and further talks about a possible shift in venue are to be held by the ICC before a teleconference of the world governing body's board on Sunday.

Those discussions are expected to embrace the prospect of moving the tournament to ensure participation from all the leading nations and to satisfy the requirements of television companies in the region.

On Friday, however, the hugely-influential Board of Control for Cricket in India said it supported Pakistan, who have already announced they would not participate if the event is moved to another country.

"We are firmly behind Pakistan," BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah told Geo News. "I think it all depends on Pakistan and what they have to say on the security issue.

"If Pakistan says the country is safe to play in and the tournament can be held on schedule, they have our support."

Shah also dismissed reports that India would agree to play in a four-nation one-day series in Pakistan should the Champions Trophy be either cancelled or moved out of the country.

"I can't say what the BCCI stance would be should the tournament be cancelled or moved from Pakistan," he added.

"In any case, it is not possible for us to play in a tournament in Pakistan because India has a full series in Pakistan later in the year."

The eight-team Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held from September 12 to 28.