The chief executive officer of SuperSport International, Imtiaz Patel, has turned down anoffer to become the next chief executive of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The chief executive officer of SuperSport International, Imtiaz Patel, has turned down anoffer to become the next chief executive of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Patel informed the ICC of his decision in a telephone conversation with ICC president-elect David Morgan. Patel said he and his family had not taken the decision to turn down the job lightly.

"My family and I have reflected deeply on the wonderful opportunity which the ICC presented to me to fulfil such an important role in a sport which is in my blood.

"However, after considering my position carefully, I have resolved to remain in my beloved country, South Africa, and continue in my challenging and fulfilling role as chief executive officer of SuperSport International.

"We are obviously disappointed that Imtiaz has chosen to withdraw his interest, as we regarded him very highly," said Morgan.

"However, the fact that he has withdrawn does not mean we will be left with a candidate who is inferior to him. We have been fortunate to have several high-calibre candidates on the shortlist, all of whom bring something slightly different to the table. The role of ICC chief executive is an opportunity to help forge the future of our great game at a time of huge innovation and excitement."

The recruitment committee, which has been charged with identifying a successor to current CEO Malcolm Speed, will now reconvene to select another candidate. Speed, who has been chief executive since July 2001, is scheduled to step down after the ICC yearly conference in July. - Sapa