Bicknell played alongside younger brother Martin at Surrey

The 39-year-old had planned to quit last year but was persuaded to stay on after helping Notts to their first Championship triumph in 18 years.

"It's the right time for me to go. I've been playing cricket for 20 years and loved every minute of it," he said.

"But there comes a time for everyone to call it a day and this will give Notts a chance to rebuild for the future."

He added: "This has been on my mind for a year or two and it's an emotional day for me. I am keen to play the rest of the season and want to finish the summer strongly."

Darren has been brilliant for us and consistently churned out runs Notts boss Mick Newell

The left-hander played for his native Surrey for 12 years before joining Nottinghamshire in 1999.

Bicknell has scored almost 20,000 first-class runs, passing 1,000 for the season nine times and making 46 hundreds.

He was selected for England A tours of Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and the West Indies but failed to make the breakthrough into the senior team, unlike younger brother Martin.

Notts director of cricket Mick Newell said: "Darren has been brilliant for us and consistently churned out runs from the moment he arrived.

"He is very serious about his cricket and always gives 100% for the team. He's well liked and respected in the dressing room and will be missed by everyone."