"It has 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," MacLaurin told the press.
"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."
MacLaurin, the chairman of Vodafone, was a key figure in the introduction of central contracts for top England players which was seen by many as the most important factor in the resurgence of the England Test side.
He also helped the Championship and one-day league split into two divisions, a move which is generally thought to have increased the standard of competition.
"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," David Morgan, chairman of the First Class Forum and deputy chairman of the ECB said.
Tim Lamb, chief executive of the ECB, 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 since he took office. I look forward to working with the new chairman for the benefit of the whole game."
The candidates for ECB chairman are likely to be former England captain and MCC president Tony Lewis, Surrey chairman Mike Soper and MacLaurin's current deputy David Morgan.
