In an effort to remove uncertainty over succession, King Abdullah had created a new body - the Allegiance Council.

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Much speculation now focuses on who King Salman would nominate to the Allegiance Council for approval as his heir apparent.

BBC: Middle East

In theory the Al Saud family's secretive Allegiance Council, composed of princes representing the lines of each of Abdel Aziz's sons, decides on matters of succession.

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As king, Salman might choose to nominate Ahmed as crown prince, or Salman might seek to do a deal with the more powerful senior princes represented on the Allegiance Council, in order to ensure their agreement to one of his own sons becoming crown prince.

BBC: Middle East

The Dubliner played for England in the 2007 World Cup and under International Cricket Council rules he should be unable to switch allegiance back to the country of his birth until April 2011.

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