MacLaurin To Step Down As ECB Chairman

MacLaurin announced that he would not be seeking re-election for the position that he has held since the formation of the ECB in 1997.

His decision leaves the way open for a battle between Surrey chairman Mike Soper, David Morgan, the chairman of Glamorgan, and possibly former MCC president Tony Lewis.

Only Soper has announced intention to challenge for the post and candidatures do not have to be announced until August 6, with the closing date August 27.

He said: "It has been an immense privilege and honour to serve as Chairman of the ECB and I believe we have achieved much in the past six years.

"However, after giving the matter a great deal of thought, I have concluded that I no longer have the necessary time to devote to this very important role.

"I have many other interests and my work for Vodafone is increasingly time-consuming and has to take priority.

"I wish my successor the best of luck and stand ready to help cricket in whatever way I can in the future".

Tim Lamb, chief executive of the ECB, said: "Ian has made a huge contribution to cricket and he can feel justifiably proud of the achievements of the ECB.

"I fully understand the reasons for his decision and there is no doubt that cricket in England and Wales is in a much stronger position than when he took office.

"I look forward to working with the new Chairman for the benefit of the whole game."