Steve Denison has resigned from his post as Yorkshire chairman.

Denison announced his decision in an open letter on the club's website, with Yorkshire chief executive Mark Arthur expressing sadness at his exit in a further statement.

Denison's resignation comes a few weeks after he was banned from performing audit work for 15 years.

In June, Denison, who had been working for PwC accountancy firm, admitted misconduct over the 2014 audit of BHS and the Taveta Group, which controls Topshop.

Denison said: "It’s with deep regret that I’m resigning from the board of Yorkshire CCC with immediate effect. Despite enjoying wide-ranging support from the club’s stakeholders, including directors, staff and members, I believe the ECB’s regulations mean that I’m unable to remain in post and I don’t want my situation to be a distraction at a time when cricket is going through a crucial period of change.

"It’s been a huge privilege to serve YCCC as a non-executive director since 2012, including the past three as chairman, and to say I’m heartbroken is a massive understatement at what has already been an incredibly difficult time for me and my family.

"On the field, back to back County Championship titles and the continual development and nurturing of fine Yorkshire and England players will forever hold a special place in my heart.

"I’m also extremely proud of the progress which we have achieved off the field, including sustained growth in membership in each of the past six years, the successful turnaround of the club’s finances, restructuring the board to include the appointment of the first female and South Asian directors in the club’s 155-year history and the ongoing redevelopment of Emerald Headingley, securing its future as a world-class venue that will continue to stage international cricket including the 2019 and 2023 Ashes."

In Yorkshire's statement, Arthur said: “It is a really sad day, not only for Yorkshire Cricket but for the game as a whole. Steve has achieved so much, both as a director and chairman of Yorkshire County Cricket Club over the last six years. We will greatly miss his input and contribution.

“I’d like to pay a personal tribute to his support of the executive team and we wouldn’t be undertaking the development of the Emerald Stand in conjunction with Leeds Rugby without his significant input.

“The board will meet in short order to appoint Steve’s successor.”

Denison added: "I love Yorkshire County Cricket Club and am immensely proud of the tiny part I’ve played in its history as well as the wider game. I owe a huge debt to everyone involved in cricket across Yorkshire for their passion, commitment and hard work, and hope one day circumstances will allow me to return to cricket and continue to serve the game."