Leicestershire’s Paul Nixon has announced that he plans to retire from cricket after the T20 quarter-final against Kent.

The wicketkeeper, who will turn 41 later this year, has admitted that he doesn’t feel fit enough to play at the top level.

"My body knows now. I can't do it the way I want to do it anymore, the way I've always done it," Nixon told BBC Sport.

"I cannot keep up to those high standards anymore. All of my mentors said to me that you'll know when the time is right and the time has come.

“I've thought about it for a few months now and am at ease with it. It's time for the youngsters to have their journeys now.

"I've met some amazing people along the way and have some special memories. I've loved every ball on the pitch and every moment I've been involved in off the pitch too. It's a very special life and I've made sure that I've never taken it for granted."

Nixon has two Twenty20 titles under his belt as well as two County Championships with Leicestershire.

The former England cricketer was awarded the captaincy at Leicestershire for two years in 2007 and 2008.

"The Leicester public has been absolutely phenomenal towards me and I want to thank them for all of their support," he said. "I want to thank them for all of the letters they've sent and all of the good luck messages as I've walked onto the pitch."

The left-hander joined Kent in 2000 but returned to the Foxes three years later.