But ICC insists that they hadn’t jumped the gun in naming the replacement for their long-serving CEO Malcolm Speed.

Brian Murgatroyd, ICC Manager for media and communications, informed The Indian Express that Patel was kept in the loop over the appointment. “Permission was taken to announce the name beforehand. David Morgan (ICC’s president elect) had called Imtiaz before the announcement was made,” Murgatroyd said today.

But yesterday Patel called Morgan to inform that he no longer was interested to move to Dubai — ICC’s headquarters. Morgan has expressed his disappointment over Patel’s change of mind. “We are obviously disappointed that Imtiaz has chosen to withdraw his interest, having regarded him highly,” said Morgan in an ICC release.

This unexpected turn of events means ICC’s recruitment committee — consisting of ICC president Ray Mali, Creagh O’Connor, and vice president Sharad Pawar — will now reconvene to come up with a fresh name.

Lorgat, Richardson candidates?

Haroon Lorgat, the former convenor of Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) selection committee, has emerged as a strong candidate for the post along with South African — Dave Richardson, the former wicket-keeper, and currently the ICC’s general manager reports Cricinfo.

But can former BCCI president IS Bindra, who was involved in a close race with Patel for the top post, be named? Though, officially, there is no word on it but the is Bindra expected to stick to being ICC’s Principal Advisor, a new post that was created for him after Patel was unanimously chosen as the CEO at ICC’s board meeting on March 18. “At present, I am happy working at the post that I am holding,” Bindra said.

Many believe that it was this — the extensive powers that come with Bindra’s consultancy post and reporting to the president directly— that would have given Imtiaz second thoughts. Besides, it has been seen in recent times that India has got its way in the ICC because of their financial power.

Though Imitaz has this to say about his withdrawal: “My family and I have reflected deeply on the wonderful opportunity which the ICC presented to me to fulfill such an important role in a sport which is in my blood.

“After considering my position carefully, I have, however, resolved to remain in my beloved country, South Africa, and continue in my challenging and fulfilling role as CEO of SuperSport International.”