International Cricket Council suspends USA Cricket board

Published - 23 Sept 2025, 22:35 IST | Updated - 23 Sept 2025, 22:52 IST

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially suspended USA Cricket (USAC), making an intervention in the governance of the sport in one of its emerging markets. The decision, taken during a virtual ICC Board meeting on Tuesday, follows months of warnings and signals a reset in the administration of the game in the United States.

Importantly, the suspension will not affect the USA’s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup in February 2026, to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The team will continue to compete under the ICC’s direct oversight.

The exact reasons behind the suspension have not been detailed, but it comes after USAC being on notice since July 2024. At that time, the ICC had directed the board to conduct free and fair elections and implement comprehensive governance reforms within three months. The global body had warned that failure to comply would lead to strict action, and the suspension reflects its decision to enforce accountability.

The move also comes from the ICC’s broader roadmap for USA Cricket, designed to help the board secure National Governing Body (NGB) status from the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). This recognition is essential for cricket’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, where the USA, as hosts, is expected to feature in both men’s and women’s competitions.

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Earlier this year, the ICC’s Normalisation Committee, chaired by Jay Shah, held meetings with USAC chairman Venu Pisike and CEO Johnathan Atkeison. The committee drafted a six-step roadmap to revamp USAC’s governance. This included appointing three new independent directors, the resignation of the existing board, and fresh elections. Alongside this, a full review of the USA Cricket Constitution was mandated in consultation with ICC stakeholders.

The decision is made amid an already difficult atmosphere between USAC and its former commercial partner, American Cricket Enterprise (ACE), which runs Major League and Minor League Cricket. USAC’s recent termination of its agreement with ACE has led to legal disputes.

Players have also expressed concern about their uncertain futures. Former New Zealand allrounder Corey Anderson, who now plays for the USA and serves as operational director of the USA Cricketers Association, has admitted the ongoing disputes and lack of stability have left players in uncertainty.