Howard's nomination was forwarded by Cricket Australia (CA) and New Zealand Cricket (NZC), who said they were "deeply disaapointed" at the rejection. The ICC executive board met here on Wednesday to discuss Howard's nomination. "Following lengthy consideration it was recognised that the nomination put forward by Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket did not have sufficient support within the ICC Board. No vote was taken," ICC said in a statement.
"Under the ICC's regional rotation process for the nomination of the ICC vice president, CA and NZC have now been invited to re-nominate a candidate by August 31," ICC said. CA Chairman Jack Clarke and NZC chairman Alan Isaac issued a joint statement, saying Howard was the best possible candidate they had nominated.
"John Howard is an eminent and well-credentialed international statesman who Australia and New Zealand nominated after a comprehensive selection process. We jointly nominated Mr. Howard as a candidate as he possesses significant leadership and administrative skills," the statement said. "We believe cricket needs to continue to seek excellence and dispassionate independence in the game's global governance.
"We were delighted that the most senior world figure ever considered for this role agreed to accept the nomination. We remain convinced it is reasonable for his nomination to be supported by the ICC Executive Board and we are deeply disappointed by the position taken at today’s meeting," the statement said. "We will go back to our respective boards to agree upon a combined approach. It is premature for us to make any further comment."
Meanwhile, a report in Australian media said that six leading cricket boards have signed a letter rejecting Howard’s nomination. Howard needed seven of the 10 votes to become vice president but could muster support from only Australia, New Zealand and England, the Australian said. "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."