Cricket: Kiwi in running as Howard's ICC bid fails - report

Sir John Anderson. Photo / Mark Mitchell

New Zealander Sir John Anderson's chances of becoming the International Cricket Council's (ICC) president have firmed dramatically after John Howard's bid was reportedly rejected early today.

The Australian newspaper's website reported the former Australian prime minister failed in his bid after six of the 10 test-playing nations signed a letter opposing Howard as a candidate at the ICC executive board meeting in Singapore.

His only supporters were Australia, New Zealand and England, the report said, while Zimbabwe did not sign the letter but were also understood to be opposed.

An official announcement is expected at the conclusion of today's meeting, with Anderson the logical replacement. Under ICC rules, the nominee serves as vice-president for two years before graduating to the presidency.

Howard was put forward as the joint nomination from Australia and New Zealand, ahead of respected cricket administrator and businessman Anderson, on the recommendations of an Australian-chaired sub-committee.

Under a rotational five-region electoral process, Howard's candidacy should have been rubber stamped months ago but the growing opposition saw the decision delayed.

- NZPA