
Former Australian Prime Minister and Cricket Australia’s and New Zealand’s representative John Howard’s appointment was rejected by six of the ICC's ten full members, thought to consist of the subcontinent boards of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh as well as South Africa and the West Indies. Zimbabwe is said to have provided the most vocal opposition privately and led the movement and, though they didn't sign the letter that brought matters to such a head, they are believed to have played a prominent part in the decision.
The rejection is a big blow to the Cricket Boards of Australia, New Zealand and England with no reason given officially for the rejection. Support for John Howard's appointment to the vice-presidency of the ICC fell away "significantly" in the last week with at least a couple of the boards, which eventually opposed the move, changing their stance in that time.