Lord MacLaurin Photo CricInfo

Lord MacLaurin, the Chairman of the England & Wales Cricket Board since its inception six years ago, today announced that he will not seek re-election to the post.

In a statement released by the ECB this morning, Lord MacLaurin said: "It's 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."

During MacLaurin's period as Chairman, the ECB persuaded the government to move home Test cricket from the A list to the B list of restricted sporting events, leading to a more competitive TV rights market. Last year the ECB negotiated a three-year contract with Channel 4 and Sky worth £147m between 2003 and 2005.

MacLaurin's other achievements include the introduction of a two-division county championship, central contracts for England players and the setting up of a National Academy. Close colleagues paid tribute this morning when his decision to stand down was announced.

"In bringing his business acumen to bear on the leadership of the board over a six-year period, Ian has played a major role in the commercial success of the game and similarly in terms of the improvement in the performances of England in the international arena," said David Morgan, Chairman of the First Class Forum, who has served as MacLaurin's deputy at the ECB in recent years.

"Working closely with him has been both instructive and stimulating and his contribution will be clearly remembered and appreciated by both players and the game's administrators worldwide."

Tim Lamb, the ECB's chief executive, added: "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."

Nominations for MacLaurin's successor will be invited between August 6 and 27. If there is more than one candidate, ballot papers will go out to the counties on August 29 with the result being announced on September 13. The Surrey chairman, Mike Soper, has already announced his intention to stand.

© CricInfo Ltd.