Former Aussie PM Howard rejected for ICC vice-presidency

Former Australian Prime Minister John Howard has failed in his attempt to become the next vice-president of the International Cricket Council. The 70-year-old had been nominated by Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket, who have been asked to put forward another candidate. The decision was made yesterday at the ICC executive board meeting in Singapore.

"Following lengthy consideration it was recognised that the nomination did not have sufficient support. No vote was taken," the sport's governing body said in a statement. "Under the ICC's regional rotation process... Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket were invited to renominate a candidate by 31 August."

Under ICC rules, the vice-president would serve for two years then become president in 2012. CA and NZC issued a joint statement after the announcement expressing their disappointment. "Mr Howard possesses significant leadership and administrative skills," CA chairman Jack Clarke and NZC chairman Alan Isaac said. "We are deeply disappointed."

It is thought that only Australia, New Zealand and England had supported Howard. One of the reasons for his unpopularity was his criticism of Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe's regime when he was Australian Prime Minister.