Auckland, Mar 4 : New Zealand media have cried foul over Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket's joint nomination of former Prime Minister John Howard to be the International Cricket Council''s (ICC) vice-president for two years.

A certain section of the media claimed that Howard has a "churlish attitude" and has only become a leading figure in world cricket administration because Australia could not find anyone better within their own ranks.

Howard was nominated ahead of past NZC chairman and prominent businessman Sir John Anderson.

"The die was effectively cast when CA and NZC could not agree on a nomination, so formed a panel of two representatives apiece, chaired by Australian businessman Sir Rod Eddington. You do the maths," The Daily Telegraph quoted David Leggat, a cricket columnist, as writing in his article for the New Zealand Herald.

"What happened behind closed doors? Australia heavying? Or was it simply that there was no way three Australians were going to allow someone from this side of the drink to ascend to the presidency ahead of one of their own, no matter what his credentials," he added.

Leggat further said the joint nomination was due several weeks ago, "but there was a significant gap between two viewpoints."

"Try finding an Australian involved in the game who genuinely thinks Howard is the best man for the job. It''s not as easy as you might imagine. Nice job, John Howard, former Prime Minister of Australia, poised to take the highest seat in cricket ... ," he added.

Howard, assuming the ICC approves his nomination, will become the vice-president for two years in June, and in 2012 will replace Sharad Pawar as president. (ANI)