ICC to discuss Mali's successor next week

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council's Board meets to discuss Presidential succession among other issues at its two-day meeting beginning at Lord's on June 27.

Another important issue on the ICC Board's agenda would be Zimbabwe's possible return to Test cricket in November.

"The ICC Board will discuss a host of issues, including the appointment of a Vice-President to take over from current President Ray Mali at Annual Conference 2008, and matters surrounding Zimbabwe including its possible return to Test cricket in November," the ICC said in a statement on Thursday.

Speculation was rife that BCCI Chief Sharad Pawar and his only rival David Morgan of the England and Wales Cricket Board had struck a deal to occupy the ICC's highest post when their regions stage major events.

With England hosting Twenty20 World Cup in 2009, Morgan would like to be at the helm of the sport's world governing body from 2008-10 while Pawar would prefer to be in the command from 2010-2012 as Asian cricket playing nations, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, co-host the 2011 World Cup.

Mali's tenure will be over in July next year.

Prior to the ICC Board's meeting, the ICC Chief Executives' Committee will hold a series of meetings at Lord's to decide on a range of matters relating to the playing of cricket as well as recommendations on the business of cricket for consideration by the ICC Board.

The ICC's Annual Conference will take place in the Long Room, followed by a Members' Forum on June 29.