With the International Cricket Council agreeing to appoint an Asian as its new Chief Executive at the end of Malcolm Speed's tenure in 2008, the names of former Sri Lanka captains Duleep Mendis and Ranjan Madugalle have been mentioned as possible replacements.

Reports from London said that during the recent ICC meeting, Sharad Pawar, President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India had agreed to stand down from the race for the ICC Presidency, provided ECB Chairman and President elect David Morgan agrees to a request from the Asian block to appoint an Asian as the CEO of the game's governing body.

Cricket sources in Colombo said that the two Sri Lankans were leading contenders for the high profile job. The source said that the possibility of one of them succeeding Speed was ‘extremely good'.

A leading cricket official meanwhile said that Cricket's Interim Committee will discuss the issue and at the appropriate time forward the two names.

Madugalle, a highly respected figure in cricket circles, is the Chief Match Referee of the ICC. The 48-year-old has been an employee of the ICC for 15 long years and has officiated at two World Cup finals while missing out on a third as his country was playing in the final this year.

The ICC also has high regard for Madugalle and has assigned him high profile series like The Ashes, India-Australia and India-Pakistan series.

The governing body in fact overruled former board chairman Thilanga Sumathipala in 2001 when the controversial administrator refrained from nominating Madugalle to the panel of Match Referee's for a second term.

Madugalle's easy going exterior and charming personality masks his reputation as a strict disciplinarian.

Mendis, the CEO of the Sri Lankan board has been involved with the board since his retirement, in various capacities as chairman of selectors, coach, manager of the national team and Director Cricket Operations.

Mendis, the Manager of the World Cup wining team in 1996, succeeded Anura Tennakoon as CEO in 2003.

Another source said that if approached, Madugalle may be reluctant, since it would require him to be based at the ICC headquarters in Dubai. He would instead prefer to continue in his present job, which allows him to be based in Colombo.

Other high profile names mentioned for the top seat are Syed Ashraful Haq, CEO of the Asian Cricket Council and Majid Khan, who has been attached to the Pakistan Cricket Board over the years.

The source said that Ashraful's chances are slim as he is deemed a ‘Dalmiya Man'.