On Sept. 23, the International Cricket Council (ICC) suspended USA Cricket’s membership immediately following repeated breaches of its obligations as an ICC Member. The board made the decision after a year-long review and extensive engagement with stakeholders.
The breaches included the failure to implement a functional governance structure, lack of progress towards recognition as a National Governing Body by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), and actions that the ICC says have caused reputational damage to cricket in the US and internationally.
“The decision, taken by the ICC Board during its meeting earlier, was based on USA Cricket’s repeated and continued breaches of its obligations as an ICC Member under the ICC’s Constitution,” the ICC stated.
“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,” it added.
While USA Cricket has been suspended, the ICC confirmed that the country’s national teams will continue to compete in ICC events, including preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. To protect players, the ICC and its representatives will temporarily oversee the management and administration of the national teams.
The USA is expected to qualify as a host for the Olympic Games.
Assistant measures include maintaining high-performance and player development programmes to ensure continuity and long-term growth of the sport in the United States.
The ICC Normalisation Committee, supported by ICC management, will now set the necessary requirements for USA Cricket’s suspension to be lifted. This will involve specific reforms to governance, operations, and organisational status. The committee is also tasked with monitoring progress and providing guidance.
The ICC stressed its commitment to safeguarding athletes and cricket’s ecosystem in the United States while also securing the game’s future on the global stage.
