Cricket: NZ still in running for ICC president

Martin Crowe. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand Cricket aren't about to lie down and hand an Australian a free run at the game's top job.

People well-qualified for the position of International Cricket Council president will continue to be discussed as the transtasman rivals try to find a fresh candidate acceptable to the ICC members in the coming weeks.

The decision of former NZC boss Sir John Anderson not to put his name forward again for the ICC's vice-presidency opens the door as the two countries reconsider options.

The two-year vice-presidency leads on to the top role, starting in 2012.

Anderson was overlooked first time around in favour of former Australian Prime Minister John Howard.

The ICC have asked the two countries to come up with another name by the end of next month. The nominating is done on a regional rotation, and it is Australasia's turn.

Six of the 10 major nations - India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, West Indies and South Africa, with Zimbabwe unofficially in that camp - said Howard was unacceptable and what should have been a rubber-stamping exercise was thrown into chaos in Singapore at the start of this month.

A panel of five - two from each country, plus an Australian chairman - to absolutely no surprise plumped for Howard over Anderson.

Now Anderson has ruled out any thoughts by officials of going back on bended knee with a "please John" request by counting himself out.

But NZC chief executive Justin Vaughan said last night it's by no means a free licence for Cricket Australia to come up with a fresh name.

"There are a lot of people we could suggest who would be qualified for the role," Vaughan said of his fellow cricketing countrymen without offering any names

"Some discussions have taken place on the issue and we'll be following them up in the coming weeks."

While NZC have discussed the issue, CA are not due to meet for several days. They remain grumpy at not getting their way with Howard.

Vaughan said NZC are likely to keep mum on the issue until the Australians have deliberated and then the two countries have got their heads together.

"Now it's up to both boards to work through it," he said.

Former New Zealand captain Martin Crowe yesterday said he was willing to put his hat in the ring for the ICC job.

Vaughan said he'd had no discussions with Crowe, nor had he been approached by NZC.

"He's done a lot for cricket and he's a fairly opinionated individual, which is a real strength," Vaughan said, but wondered how that would square with the need for a strong diplomatic streak in the successful candidate.