New Delhi: The International Cricket Council (ICC) is continuing discussions with participating nations on the schedule of the Champions Trophy amid speculation that the entire tournament may be moved outside Pakistan after India's refusal to travel to the country, a source said on Tuesday.

South Africa could be an option

There were talks that South Africa could be a viable option to host the Champions Trophy next year. But PTI has learnt that no such discussions took place at the ICC on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the ICC also postponed the launch event of the prestigious ODI tournament which was scheduled to be held in Lahore on November 11.

PCB has sought written confirmation from ICC

The ICC, the sport's global governing body, has received a letter from the Pakistan Cricket Board seeking written confirmation from the BCCI for India's inability to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. The PCB has told the ICC that security is not an issue in the country and it has successfully hosted England and New Zealand recently and has promised the same for the Champions Trophy.

PCB is not ready to accept the hybrid model

It has stuck to its stance of not holding the tournament in a 'hybrid model' like last year's Asia Cup in which India's matches were held in Sri Lanka. The ICC is yet to respond to the PCB and is discussing the schedule with the participating teams. PTI has learnt that the PCB is not keen on hosting the tournament outside the country, even in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).