The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended USA Cricket’s membership with immediate effect, citing repeated governance failures and breaches of its obligations as an ICC member.
Why ICC Suspended USA Cricket?
The ICC said the decision followed “a thorough review of affairs and extensive engagement with key stakeholders over the past year.”
“These include, but are not limited to, the failure to implement a functional governance structure, lack of progress toward achieving National Governing Body status with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), and significant actions that have caused reputational damage to cricket in the United States and around the world,” the ICC said.
The governing body stressed the move was necessary to safeguard the “long-term
interests of the game.”
Players Protected, Olympic Build-Up Continues
Despite the suspension, USA’s men’s and women’s national teams will continue to compete in ICC tournaments and prepare for cricket’s Olympic return at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
“The management and administration of USA national teams will temporarily be overseen by the ICC and/or its designated representatives to ensure continued support for the players and maintain momentum towards Olympic inclusion,” the ICC added.
USA’s Road To Reinstatement
A Normalisation Committee will now be tasked with outlining the steps required for USA Cricket to have its membership rights restored. These steps include demonstrable reforms in governance, operations and compliance.
“The committee will also monitor USA Cricket’s progress and provide consultatory support,” the ICC said.
USA Cricket’s Troubled history
The suspension is the latest setback for the sport in America. USA Cricket, founded in 2017 after the ICC expelled its predecessor USACA, has long faced governance and financial issues.
Despite co-hosting the 2024 T20 World Cup with the West Indies, the board was placed on notice at last year’s ICC annual general meeting for failing to meet membership criteria. It was given 12 months to address its shortcomings — a deadline that has now expired.
(With PTI inputs)
