International Cricket Council chief executive Malcolm Speed will effectively step down next week after a "fundamental breakdown" in his relationship with the rest of the board.

Speed had been due to leave his post in July, but the ICC announced this afternoon that he will take paid leave from next Wednesday until his replacement Haroon Lorgat takes over.

The ICC stated that a number of issues, including Zimbabwe, had led to the decision for Speed to leave before the end of his contract.

Speed is thought to have a opposed an ICC decision not to take major action following an independent audit of Zimbabwe Cricket finances.

Problems concerning Zimbabwe have been a recurring theme of Speed's seven-year tenure.

A statement from ICC president-elect David Morgan read: "This change of plan is the result of a fundamental breakdown in the relationship between the CEO and a number of board members, including the president, over a variety of issues which include Zimbabwe.

"Mr David Richardson, the ICC general manager - cricket, will serve as interim CEO until Mr Speed's replacement, Mr Haroon Lorgat, assumes the role at the ICC's annual conference at the beginning of July."

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