Australia, NZ nominate Isaac for ICC vice-presidency

Cricket Australia will back New Zealand Cricket chairman Alan Isaac for the two countries' joint nomination for the vacant ICC vice president position.

Cricket Australia (CA) have declined to put forward a new candidate after the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected former Australian Prime Minister John Howard's bid but the authority will support New Zealand's nominee, albeit reluctantly.

"We still have been given no official reason why a strongly credentialed candidate of Mr Howard's qualifications was not supported," CA Chairman Jack Clarke said in a statement on Friday.

"Our directors were today very strongly of the view that Mr Howard continues to be the best candidate CA could nominate. We are not prepared to suggest another candidate.

"But given it is clear Mr Howard will not be supported, we clearly have to consider a new approach."

Clarke insisted Isaac would be an excellent alternative to Howard.

"We are pleased to support New Zealand Cricket's suggestion that Alan Isaac be nominated for the role," Clarke added.

"Alan has a strong cricket and sporting administrative background but the relevant benefit he brings to the table is his strong record as an expert practitioner and adviser in organisational governance and his business and financial acumen."

CA called it "completely unacceptable" that the ICC's executive board has refused to give a reason for the rejection of Howard, who was nominated by both Australia and New Zealand.

Isaac is set to become ICC vice president for a two-year term before taking over as president.

Cricket's governing ICC appointed Sharad Pawar as its new president earlier this month and asked Australia and New Zealand to submit a new candidate by August 31.