Johannesburg: The International Cricket Council chief executive Haroon Lorgat is being touted as the strongest candidate to replace Cricket South Africa (CSA) chief executive Gerald Majola.
Majola faces suspension and a full independent disciplinary inquiry when he returns from an ICC visit in Dubai in the next few days, unless he resigns before that, said the President of one of the CSA provincial affiliates on condition of anonymity.
The source, who admitted that he was one of the provincial heads who had been convinced to support Majola in his battle to oust then president of CSA Mtutuzeli Nyoka, said he had spoken to 10 other provincial presidents and the majority of them wanted Majola out.
The Nicholson inquiry instituted by sports minister Fikile Mbalula delivered its report on Friday, calling for action against Majola that includes probing of possible criminal charges against him by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
The inquiry was instituted by Mbalula following two years of wrangling over huge IPL 2 bonuses that Majola paid himself and other CSA staff without the knowledge of the CSA board. IPL 2 was played in South Africa due to security concerns around elections at the time in India.
Majola and CSA have refused to comment, except for a one-line statement on Friday that said Majola was studying the Nicholson report.
But the provincial head said that three possible replacements for Majola were already being discussed in the top structures of CSA, with Lorgat heading the list.
Lorgat is seen as having the best chance for his experience at the ICC. Lorgat could not be reached for comment, but he recently indicated that he would not stand for another term in his ICC position. (PTI)