Cricket: Sir John rules himself out of ICC role

Photo / Brett Phibbs

Respected New Zealand administrator Sir John Anderson has ruled himself out as a nominee for International Cricket Council (ICC) vice president, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said today.

It was NZC and Cricket Australia's (CA) turn to jointly nominate a candidate but original nominee John Howard - former prime minister of Australia - was last month rejected by the ICC, who said he did not have sufficient support on its board.

The ICC executive asked the two countries to re-nominate for the role by August 31, with Sir John touted as a likely candidate.

But Sir John did not wish to pursue the option, NZC chairman Alan Isaac said today.

"In light of ICC's rejection of the nomination of John Howard, I approached Sir John Anderson to assess his availability for the role. Unfortunately Sir John advised me that he is not available to be considered as a possible nominee," Mr Isaac said.

"The NZC Board respects Sir John's position and acknowledges the outstanding contribution he has made to game of cricket," he said.

"We have recommenced discussions with Cricket Australia around a proposed a way forward."

NZC chief executive Justin Vaughan had hinted this month that Sir John might not be available.

"He is a busy man. Since January, he has taken on a few more directorships, he's now the chairman of PGG Wrightsons," Vaughan said.

NZC and Cricket Australia (CA) had expressed "deep disappointment" at the ICC decision not to support Howard.

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 New Zealand cricket administrator and businessman Sir John, 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.

Media reports said Howard failed in his bid after six of the 10 test-playing nations signed a letter opposing him as a candidate at the ICC executive board meeting in Singapore.

It was understood his only supporters were Australia, New Zealand and England, while Zimbabwe did not sign the letter but were also understood to be opposed.

- NZPA