Tom Harrison has decided to step down as England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chief executive and will leave his role next month.

Harrison has spent over seven years as ECB CEO, but his resignation was confirmed on Tuesday.

Clare Connor, managing director of England women's cricket, will step in as interim chief until a permanent successor to Harrison is appointed.

The ECB board will start a comprehensive search for a new CEO, while the governing body is already seeking a new chairman after Ian Watmore quit last year.

Harrison said: "It has been a huge honour to be CEO of the ECB for the past seven years. Cricket is an extraordinary force for good in the world and my goal has been to make the game bigger and ensure more people and more communities in England and Wales feel they have a place in this sport.

"The long-term health of cricket depends on its ability to grow and remain relevant and be more inclusive in an ever-changing world.

"The past two years have been incredibly challenging, but we have pulled together to get through the pandemic, overcome cricket's biggest financial crisis, and committed to tackling discrimination and continuing the journey towards becoming the inclusive, welcoming sport we strive to be.

"I have put everything into this role, but I believe now is the right time to bring in fresh energy to continue this work."

Harrison had come under fire for the ECB's handling of the Yorkshire Cricket Club racism scandal and following England's 4-0 Ashes hammering in Australia.

There have been a number of significant chances at the top of English cricket recently, with Rob Key appointed as managing director of England men's cricket, Ben Stokes named Test captain and Brendon McCullum the new Test head coach.

Matthew Mott, head coach of the Australia women's cricket team, is reportedly set to be named as England's limited-overs head coach.