Afro-Asian bloc rejects John Howard’s bid for ICC presidency

File - In this Dec. 2, 2005 file photo, Australian Prime Minister John Howard, center, tosses the coin before the annual PM's XI cricket match at Manuka Oval in Canberra, Australia, as West Indies captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul, left, and Australian captain Justin Langer wait for the outcome. Howard failed in his bid to become vice president of the International Cricket Council, after his name was withdrawn Wednesday, June 30, 2010, because of insufficient support. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft, File)

Six leading cricket boards have signed a letter rejecting former Australian Premier John Howard’s candidature for the post of ICC vice-president, according to a media report here.

Howard’s nomination was to be discussed at the ICC Executive Board meeting in Singapore from today.

“While an official decision will not be reached until later today at the International Cricket Council’s executive board meeting in Singapore, the former Prime Minister was rejected overnight by the majority of Test-playing countries,” a report in the Australian claimed.

Mr. Howard needs seven of the 10 votes to become Vice President but could muster support from only Australia, New Zealand and England.

It means that all the Asian nations - India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh - and South Africa have united to oppose Mr. Howard’s elevation to the post, effectively ending his hopes of becoming ICC President in 2012.

“The letter also opposed Howard, who is in Singapore, addressing the executive board,” the report adds.

Mr. Howard was the joint candidate from Australia and New Zealand as per the rotational policy.