England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairman Lord MacLaurin is set to face an election contest later this year if he wants to hold on to his job. MacLaurin has been at the helm of English cricket since 1997, but will face his first direct challenge for the job when Surrey chairman Mike Soper seeks election later this year.

However, it is not certain whether MacLaurin will want to seek re-election. Previously, he has said he would not stand if opposed.

Soper, 56, told Thursday's Daily Mail: "Whatever he [MacLaurin] plans to do, I will be standing for the post. I love cricket and feel that, with the experience I have gained at Surrey in recent years, I could help revitalise the sport in this country."

Soper took over as Surrey chairman seven years ago and has presided over a successful spell at The Oval, both on and off the pitch, including back-to-back County Championships in 1999 and 2000.

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