MacLaurin was speaking as England's selectors look set to ask paceman Darren Gough to stay on in New Zealand for the Test leg of the tour.

Gough is keen to play but was not picked for the squad initially after making himself unavailable for the Test series in India.

But MacLaurin fears that Gough-gate will become common as players become overstretched as the amount of international cricket increases.

England currently have 12 centrally-contracted players but MacLaurin invisages increasing that number to allow for internationals who need a rest.

"With the programme stretching out over the next four or five years I would imagine that there may have to be more players contracted to the board," he said.

"That would mean people are not obliged to go on each and every tour.

"Otherwise you will have burn-out."

MacLaurin insists Gough's destiny can be decided by England captain Nasser Hussain, coach Duncan Fletcher and chairman of selectors David Graveney without the need for the involvement of the management board.

The ECB chief is already looking at the bigger picture.

In the next year, England's programme includes seven home Tests, a host of one-day internationals, an Ashes tour and then the World Cup in South Africa.

MacLaurin told BBC Radio 5 Live: "We want to prolong their cricketing lives as much as we possibly can.

"I think we have to be very sensible about it. The pressure on international cricketers is great.

"These cricketers are married and have young families and are growing up.

"We have to be very sensible about the way we care for our players and guard against burn-out."