Pakistan's Ehsan Mani, a London-based chartered accountant, is to be the next International Cricket Council president.

He will take over from Malcolm Gray of Australia next June and will serve a two-year term.

In the run-up to the presidency, Mani will serve as ICC's vice president for one year, during which the World Cup will be held in South Africa from February to March, 2003.

"I was honoured on behalf of Pakistan cricket to be nominated for this prestigious position and delighted to be formally installed as Malcolm Gray's successor at last week's annual conference," Mani said in a statement.

"I already enjoy a close working relationship with Malcolm, fellow directors and chief executive officer Malcolm Speed, and look forward to the next 12 months and the build-up to my own term in office."

Mani, who has represented Pakistan in the ICC since 1989, was also a member of the organising committee for the 1996 World Cup in Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka and has served on the Asian Cricket Council.

He also played a leading role in the sale of media rights two years ago, which guaranteed an income of $550m for international cricket, over a period up to an including the 2007 World Cup.

His appointment comes at a time when Pakistani cricket is facing a financial crisis following a succession of cancelled tours.

Australia's tour later this year hangs in the balance because of the ongoing military tension between Pakistan and neighbouring India.

Mani will be the second Asian to head cricket's governing body following Jagmohan Dalmiya of India, whose three-year term ended in 2001.