In the wake of the Rawalpindi bomb blasts, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has advised both India and Malaysia to be on the stand-by to host the men's Champions Trophy tournament slated from December 1-9 in case the event needed to be shifted from Lahore.
FIH's consultant Bob Davidzon said: "FIH Committee has to first determine the security for players and if there is any concern over this issue then apply cancellation of Lahore as the venue before looking into the offers of both India and Malaysia as stand-by venues".
The participating nations -- Spain, the Netherlands, Germany and Korea -- have not expressed any security concerns yet, he said.
When pointed out that the Australian 'A' team was in Pakistan for a cricket tour, Davidzon said: "Exactly. The FIH will be closely monitoring the Australian Cricketers' tour of Pakistan before finally taking a decision on cancellation of Champions Trophy in Lahore from December 1 to 9 this year," he said.
Meanwhile, the Indian Hockey Federation president K P S Gill said from New Delhi that India would sent in an offer letter to host the Champions Trophy if Lahore is cancelled as a venue.
"We have to send our bid project to the FIH. We are working on it and it will be sent before the weekend," Gill said.
More from rediff