The ICC hierarchy are keen to preserve the Champions Trophy

India have expressed doubts about the worth of the bi-annual event but five Test nations have shown an interest.

Australia, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and West Indies and the United Arab Emirates have until the end of February to submit formal applications.

ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed said: "Interest exceeded our expectations and demonstrates the Trophy's potential."

India had complained about the scheduling of the Champions Trophy towards the end of a calendar year, and intimated they would not be available to compete at that time for three years following this year's tournament.

Earlier this week, they were keen to stress they had yet to decide on their participation in future Champions Trophies and would discuss their concerns with the ICC.

A spokesman for the game's governing body, Jon Long, confirmed to the BBC the tournament would remain at 50-overs per side.

Long, who added the ICC believed India's initial comments to be "slightly misconstrued," revealed: "The board are looking at the option of bringing in a Twenty20 competition but if they opt to do so it is not envisaged this would replace the Champions Trophy."

This year's tournament will be held in India and will feature 10 teams, rather than the 12 who took part the last time the event was held, in England in 2004.