LORD MacLaurin has stood down from the race to become chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board.

MacLaurin, who lives at Farleigh Hungerford, near Trowbridge, has decided not to stand for re-election in the post he has served for six years.

His decision, which was announced in a statement on Wednesday morning, leaves the way open for a battle between Surrey chairman Mike Soper, David Morgan, the chairman of Glamorgan, and possibly former MCC president and ex-England captain 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.

"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," said MacLaurin, who is also chairman of Vodafone and NatWest.

"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."

His decision led several ECB colleagues to pay tribute to MacLaurin's achievements during his time at the ECB, which include the introduction of a two-division county championship, central contracts for England players and the setting up of a national Academy.

"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 Morgan, 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."

Assuming there is more than one candidate to succeed MacLaurin, ballot papers will go out to the counties on August 29 with the result being announced on September 13.