Alan Isaac approved as ICC vice-president

The ICC has approved the nomination of Alan Isaac, who was chairman of New Zealand cricket, for the post of ICC vice-president, bringing an end to the controversy surrounding the appointment following the rejection of John Howard. Sharad Pawar, the ICC president, confirmed the appointment and welcomed his deputy, who will succeed him in 2012.

"I am delighted to announce that Alan Isaac's nomination for the role of ICC vice-president was unanimously endorsed by the ICC executive board and the full ICC council, by circular resolution, has also approved the recommendation of the board," Pawar said. "I am looking forward to working with Alan as we now set out to continue improving the ICC's image and reputation. I know that Alan is a highly-respected cricket administrator, having contributed significantly to New Zealand Cricket as well as the ICC."

Haroon Lorgat, the ICC chief executive, said Isaac was keen to focus on making improvements to the packed international schedule. "Alan is determined to build context and content in the Future Tours Programme for international cricket while maintaining the primacy of the ICC global events," Lorgat said. "I am looking forward to working with him and I know that together with Sharad Pawar they will look to enhance the international game as well as the unity that exists within the game."

Isaac was pleased to be extended the honour and looked forward to "serving our great sport at international level and protecting the primacy of international cricket".

Howard was the initial Australasian nominee for the role, but he did not have sufficient support within the ICC board, with the African and Asian blocs opposing his nomination. The ICC officially rejected Howard's nomination, directing Australia and New Zealand to nominate a new candidate. Isaac's name was forwarded after John Anderson, the New Zealand candidate who lost out to Howard in the initial Australiasian election for the nominee, declined a request to step in.