LONDON, May 27: Tim Lamb is to step down as chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) at the end of September. He has held the post since the ECB's inception in 1997.

"I feel that after nearly eight years in the role I have probably taken the ECB as far as I can," Lamb said in a statement on the ECB website on Thursday. Lamb, 51, said his time in charge of English cricket had been "a high-intensity role that has demanded my total focus and commitment for a considerable period of time."

High on Lamb's agenda has been the continuing problem of Zimbabwe and a decision has still to be made on whether England tour there later this year. The ECB has become embroiled in a political battle over the tour with the British government and the International Cricket Council.

The England team refused to play in Zimbabwe in the 2003 World Cup due to security concerns.

Lamb said: "Sometimes, if you're not careful, the job can almost take over your life completely, and inevitably there have been sacrifices that have needed to be made from both a personal and a family point of view.

"I still feel that I have plenty of offer, but I think now is the time to stand aside before I risk losing any of my motivation or enthusiasm." Lamb has overseen significant changes in English cricket in his time as chief executive, including the formation of two national divisions with promotion and relegation.

The reforms also include floodlit matches, the wearing of coloured clothing and the recent creation of the 20-over matches. -Reuters