The former Australian prime minister John Howard has met with Zimbabwe Cricket officials, trying to defuse a row over his nomination for International Cricket Council vice-president.
Under ICC procedures, as vice president Howard would normally take over the ICC presidency in two years.
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.
Howard says he hopes to have Zimbabwe fully integrated into the cricket world
