Denison occupied the role for three years and said in a statement he was resigning with “deep regret”. The former PwC accountant was sanctioned last month for his role in the 2014 audit of the fallen high street retailer BHS.

“I don’t want my situation to be a distraction at a time when cricket is going through a crucial period of change,” said Denison in an open letter to supporters on Tuesday.

“It has 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.”

Yorkshire’s chief executive Mark Arthur added: “It is a really sad day, not only for Yorkshire but for the game as a whole. Steve has achieved so much, both as a director and chairman over the last six years.”