ICC Suspends USA Cricket's Membership Over Governance Failures
In a significant development, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended USA Cricket's membership with immediate effect, citing repeated and continued breaches of its constitutional obligations.
Despite the suspension, the United States national teams will continue to compete in international events. This includes participation in next February’s Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, as well as ongoing preparations for cricket’s return to the Olympic Games at Los Angeles 2028. In the meantime, the ICC will temporarily take over the management and administration of the US national teams.
The Reasons Behind the Suspension
According to the ICC, USA Cricket failed to establish a functional governance structure and made little progress in securing National Governing Body (NGB) status with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, a crucial requirement for Olympic inclusion.
The ICC also referenced unspecified "significant actions that caused reputational damage" to the sport both within the United States and internationally.
Longstanding Issues
USA Cricket had already been under scrutiny since the 2024 ICC Annual General Meeting, where it was formally placed "on notice" due to non-compliance with membership criteria. At the time, the organization was given 12 months to address a list of issues related to governance, finances, and administration.
While reports suggest USA Cricket resolved five of the eight issues flagged by the ICC, progress was ultimately deemed insufficient. The ICC board had warned it reserved the right to take action as it saw fit, and that warning has now come into effect.
Olympic Implications
One of the most pressing consequences of the suspension is the potential impact on USA’s involvement in cricket at the Olympics. Cricket is set to return to the Olympic Games in 2028 after a 128-year absence, but participation requires NGB status. Without it, the U.S. team could face hurdles in competing on home soil.
Reaction from USA Cricket
USA Cricket chief executive Johnathan Atkeison responded to the ICC's decision in a statement to BBC Sport:
"We were informed by the ICC of the decision to suspend USA Cricket. Obviously, we are disappointed, but we are awaiting further information from them regarding the conditions for reinstatement so that we can evaluate the path forward."
On-Field Progress Continues
While the off-field governance issues are serious, USA Cricket has made strides on the pitch. The men’s team had a strong showing at the 2024 T20 World Cup, advancing to the Super 8 stage. That performance earned them automatic qualification for the 2026 tournament.
What's Next?
The ball is now firmly in USA Cricket’s court. Reinstatement will depend on how quickly and effectively it can implement the required governance reforms and meet ICC criteria. Until then, the ICC will keep a watchful eye on cricket’s future in one of its most promising emerging markets.
