The International Cricket Council have confirmed that next month's Champions Trophy will take place in Pakistan - but have cut the number of venues from three to two.

The removal of Rawalpindi from the schedule, leaving the matches spread between Lahore and Karachi, reduces the travelling involved and thereby the possibility of flashpoints in the politically unstable region.

Meanwhile, delegations will be sent to ease the safety concerns of England, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

Each of the four main objectors will have their concerns addressed by an ICC delegation, with chief executive Haroon Lorgat leading the group heading to Britain to meet England and the touring Proteas.

Former ECB chairman and current ICC president David Morgan said: "We are committed to a safe and secure event in Pakistan."