BREAKING: ICC suspends USA Cricket Board over governance failures

According to ESPNcricinfo, the ICC took this step after a virtual meeting because cricket leadership and management in a major market like the United States needs a complete overhaul.

But the good news is that this will not affect the USA team’s participation in next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka or in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Why was USAC hit?

Now let’s discuss why this suspension came. In July 2024, the ICC gave USAC three months to conduct free and fair elections and implement major governance reforms. However, USAC failed to heed these warnings.

The ICC report stated that USAC was not complying with ICC membership criteria 2.2(b)(i) (governance structure) and 2.2(b)(ii) (administrative structure). Consequently, the suspension was imposed as soon as the relief period ended.

USAC Chairman Venu Pisike stated, “There has been no communication from the ICC on the suspension.”

This means they have not yet received any official message, further fueling the confusion.

Olympic Plans and the USAC-ACE Battle

The ICC has clearly stated that this suspension is solely to implement reforms to secure cricket’s future, particularly for the 2028 Olympics, where USAC is expected to obtain National Governing Body (NGB) status.

To this end, the ICC formed a Normalization Committee under the leadership of Jay Shah, which will follow a six-step roadmap, including adding three independent directors to the board, dissolving the old board, and holding new elections.

But there is turmoil within USAC. Their decision to break their contract with American Cricket Enterprises (ACE), which owns Major League Cricket and the minor leagues, has gone to court.

Former New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson, who now plays in the USA, said, “The differences between USAC and ACE have put players in limbo and uncertain of their futures.”

This ICC move will give American cricket a new direction. A normalization committee will now oversee the reforms, and the USA team will continue to play in international events.

But USAC must make improvements quickly, or else further difficulties will arise.