Howard seeks Zimbabwe support for ICC job

Former Australian prime minister John Howard met with Zimbabwe Cricket officials on Wednesday, seeking to defuse a row over his nomination for International Cricket Council (ICC) vice president.

Under ICC procedures, as vice president Howard would normally take over the ICC presidency in two years' time.

However, officials from South Africa, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka have all raised concerns about Howard's suitability.

Relations between Zimbabwe Cricket and Cricket Australia have been strained since 2007, when Howard's government cancelled a tour to the southern African country saying it would legitimise long-ruling President Robert Mugabe.

"The meeting was held to discuss a number of issues including the International Cricket Council, the future of cricket in Zimbabwe and Mr Howard's candidature for the post of vice president of the ICC," Zimbabwe Cricket said in a statement.

Howard was accompanied by Jack Clarke of Cricket Australia. They met with Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Peter Chingoka and managing director Ozias Bvute.

Bvute described the meeting with Howard as friendly, constructive and frank.

"I am confident that each party leaves this meeting with a better understanding of the other," Bvute said.

Howard said he hoped to have Zimbabwe fully intergrated into the cricket world.

"My personal wish is to see Zimbabwe fully re-integrated into the world cricket family and see the sport continue to grow in all parts of the world, including Zimbabwe," he said.