Imtiaz Patel has rejected the chance to become the new chief executive of the International Cricket Council.

The 43-year-old was the first choice to replace Malcolm Speed, but he has elected to remain as chief executive of South African broadcaster SuperSport.

"After considering my position carefully, I've resolved to remain in my beloved South Africa," Patel said.

Many reports last week said Patel had accepted the post but the ICC insisted: "We said he was the preferred choice."

Some observers expressed surprise that a preferred candidate had been disclosed before the post had been finalised but the ICC told BBC Sport: "The decision was taken on the basis that the news would have leaked out at some stage.

"We would then have been faced with a situation where some outlets would have had it and others not.

"We then would have had the issue of disclosing and disseminating it in that situation rather than to all media, fairly, with president-elect David Morgan and acting president Ray Mali together and available, in one go."

MIHIR BOSE BLOG ICC sources have told me that while the Indians are not happy with Patel not taking up the job they may live with Lorgat. BBC sports Editor Mihir Bose

Morgan explained: "We are obviously disappointed Imtiaz has chosen to withdraw.

"But it does not mean that by default we will be left with a candidate who is, in any way, inferior to him.

"We are fortunate to have several high calibre candidates on the shortlist."

BBC Sports Editor Mihir Bose has revealed that Haron Lorgat, the former convenor of selectors in South Africa, is now the leading candidate to take the job.

"Lorgat was the choice of David Morgan," said Bose. "When the appointments committee met in Dubai two weeks, Morgan was unable to persuade his colleagues on Lorgat's merits. Now he should find it much easier."

Speed is stepping down as chief executive in July having been in the job since 2001, and Morgan will now press on to propose a new name to put to the ICC board.

We remain committed to securing the services of the right candidate ICC's David Morgan

The ICC would not disclose the remaining candidates who will now come into contention, but Morgan said: "All of them bring something slightly different to the table.

"The role of ICC chief executive officer, while challenging, represents a huge opportunity for the successful candidate.

"It is an opportunity for that person to help forge the future of our great game at a time of huge innovation and excitement.

"We remain committed to securing the services of the right candidate and we anticipate being able to complete that task in the very near future."

Patel, who informed Morgan of his decision by telephone from his South Africa home, added: "My family and I have reflected deeply on the wonderful opportunity which the ICC presented to me."