By Ben Kunicki BBC Sport Online

Ehsan Mani, the president-elect of the International Cricket Council, is viewed as a safe pair of hands for an organisation experiencing a period of change.

Cricket's governing body has tried to impose its will with varying success over the past few years, although outside pressures have made it a difficult task.

Mani's credentials are without question, serving as Pakistan's representative to the ICC for over 10 years.

His stewardship of the Finance and Development committee has been viewed as a success leaving the ICC in a much healthier financial position.

Mani played a key part in negotiating the television contracts which have swelled the ICC coffers considerably.

However, Mani himself points to the fact that the ICC is no longer a one-man band.

Current president Malcolm Gray steps down next June

"The ICC has come a long way from being centred around one individual," he says.

"The strategic plan is set forth by the executive committee. It is not down to the whims and fancies of one man as used to be the case."

The ICC is currently under pressure to resolve the issues created by the cancellation of tours.

Pakistan itself has been hardest hit and is looking to the governing body for some form of recompense.

"It's is very unfortunate when tours are cancelled," Mani admits.

Cash promise

He does have a guarantee to offer both Pakistan and the other nations under pressure.

"The ICC will not let any of the member countries boards go bankrupt."

"There is an ongoing plan in place to resolve this issue with the ICC becoming a lender of last resort."

Pakistan's problems are partially attributable to the refusal of the Indian government to allow the nation's team to face them, a hugely lucrative match-up.

As a member of the Asian Cricket Council, as well as his position within the ICC, Mani undoubtedly keen to resolve this issue although he is more than aware of the difficulties.

Mani was responsible for boosting TV revenue

"Pakistan have always taken a positive stance and are prepared to play India anywhere at anytime," he says.

"The Indian board is of this view also but unfortunately the Indian government has singled cricket out.

"We can only facilitate dialogue and persuade governments that it is not healthy for sports and politics to mix but we are not in a position to dictate," he adds.

Over the past few years the ICC has continued to support the smaller Associate member nations and is investing $100 million between 2001-2007 to that cause.

American market

Mani himself, is keen to promote the further advancement of cricket around the world, stating: "You can't truly have an international game based on 10 teams, you have to be expansionist and open up new markets."

When asked what his major ambition for the ICC would be Mani replies, "I would dearly love the United States to play in the World Cup in 2007."

"If we can bring the standard up to those levels in that country in would be a great achievement."

As the second Asian to be elected to the post of president, Mani is aware of the differences between the Asian bloc and the other Test playing nations.