The Australian Cricket Board has asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) for permission to replace Shane Warne at the World Cup if they need to.
ACB chief executive James Sutherland reported the ICC have advised the application could be considered as early as this afternoon.
"We are seeking confirmation of our understanding that we are able to replace Shane if needed," said Sutherland.
"A replacement player has not yet been finalised because this is pending results of final Australian Sports Drug Agency (ASDA) testing of Shane's B sample.
"But we have applied for confirmation so that we can later move more quickly to select and have a replacement player approved if needed".
Warne returned to Australia after it emerged he had tested positive for a banned diuretic following a one-day match against England in last month's VB Series. The ACB are waiting on the outcome of ASDA testing of Warne's B sample before deciding on a hearing date for their Anti-Doping Committee.
Appointment of a three-person panel to conduct a hearing is expected to be announced early next week.