Hall meets a fast bowler from another era, Australian Brett Lee

Hall, 65, has headed the regional cricket body since 2001, when he was elected to replace Pat Rousseau, who resigned over a dispute with the board of directors.

Hall said on Tuesday he could not continue in the post "because of a pre-existing medical condition which is exacerbated by stressful situations and constant travel".

"I have decided to pay maximum attention to my health," he continued, but was not specific over the exact nature of his condition.

A fiery fast bowler in the 1960s, Hall, from Barbados, took 192 wickets in 48 Tests.

He has also been a West Indies selector and team manager and a member of the International Cricket Council's executive board.

Outside the sport, Hall served as a parliamentarian in Barbados in the 1980s, and was minister of tourism, of labor and of sport at various times in the Barbados Cabinet.

"These are exciting times in terms of the development of West Indies cricket," Hall said.

"I would wish to have continued in the capacity of president to guide the organization as it prepares to host the 2007 World Cup."

The WICB will elect a new president at its annual meeting on 12-13 July in Dominica.