The former captain will end an association with the Grace Road club stretching back more than 20 years.

After joining the playing staff and making his debut in 1983, Whitaker was captain in the 1996 and 1998 Championship title-winning sides.

Whitaker has not revealed if he has another job lined up, although he said he would like to take a more "hands-on" role in cricket.

Coaching jobs are up for grabs at Hampshire, neighbouring Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire at the end of the season.

He told BBC Radio Leicester he needed a change in direction.

He said: "For two or three weeks, I've been reviewing my position.

"I came to the decision to call it a day after almost 21 years of very happy memories.

"As far as I'm concerned the club has been fantastic to me.

"I've had some wonderful times and it's perfectly amicable - I just feel now is the right time to move on."

Whitaker admitted to feeling frustrated at the tendency of Leicestershire players to move to counties who can afford higher wages.

"We've taken pride in staying in the top division but it has been tough," he said.

"Three or four players have moved on in the last year or so and it's getting tougher."