'Howard's rejection shows ICC is dysfunctional'

Former Australian captain Kim Hughes feels rejection of John Howard's candidacy for the ICC vice-president's post has proved that cricket's governing body is a "dysfunctional" organisaton easily swayed by India's financial might.

"I don't think it's healthy to have someone (India) that's so dominant in world cricket because quite frankly they make decisions that are not in the best interest of cricket worldwide, they do it for what's best for them," Hughes was quoted as saying by The Age.

"The ICC had shown itself to be ineffective and driven by politics. In every major decision, whether it's with bowlers and throwing, or with umpires, or with programming, they just don't get it. They are dead-set useless," he said.

Another former Australia captain Bob Simpson was also scathing in his criticism of the ICC.

"I don't think it was about John Howard, I think it was about the politics of this particular organisation," he said.

Hoaward's bid was thwarted by the Afro-Asian bloc, leaving the former Australian Prime Minister embarrassed and Cricket Australia angry.