Post by : Mumtaaz
Qadiri
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended USA Cricket’s membership with immediate effect due to repeated breaches of obligations under the ICC Constitution. The decision was announced by the ICC on Tuesday and reflects concerns over governance and compliance issues within the U.S. cricket body.
Reasons For Suspension
The ICC Board cited several key reasons for the suspension. USA Cricket failed to implement a functional governance structure and showed insufficient progress toward recognition by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee. Additionally, certain actions by the body were said to have caused reputational damage to cricket both in the U.S. and globally.
U.S. Teams Remain Eligible
Despite the suspension, ICC confirmed that U.S. national teams would retain the right to participate in ICC events. The teams are also continuing preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where cricket will return to the Olympic stage for the first time since 1900. The Olympic format will feature six-team Twenty20 competitions for both men and women.
Temporary Oversight By ICC
During the suspension, the ICC or its representatives will oversee the management and administration of U.S. teams. This temporary oversight is intended to support players and ensure continuity in high-performance programs. The ICC emphasized its commitment to maintaining opportunities for athletes despite organizational challenges.
Normalisation Committee
An ICC Normalisation Committee will work alongside ICC management to define the steps needed to lift the suspension. The committee will monitor progress on governance reforms, operational improvements, and the body’s standing in the cricket ecosystem. ICC expects “demonstrable and specific” changes before considering reinstatement.
Previous Warnings
USA Cricket had been placed “on notice” at the 2024 ICC Annual General Meeting and given a year to correct non-compliance issues. While a 2025 AGM review considered suspension, ICC had opted in July to keep USA Cricket on notice after receiving commitments and representations from the body. The organization was warned not to act in ways that could endanger Olympic inclusion or bring cricket or ICC into disrepute.
Olympic Cricket Return
Cricket will return to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles after more than a century. The Olympic event will feature the shortest international format, Twenty20, for both women and men, with six teams competing in each category. This provides a unique opportunity for U.S. cricket players to showcase their talent on a global stage.
USA Cricket Response
As of now, USA Cricket has not responded publicly to the ICC suspension. It remains to be seen how the organization will address the governance and compliance concerns raised by the ICC. The Normalisation Committee will continue to guide reforms and work toward eventual reinstatement.
The ICC’s suspension of USA Cricket highlights the importance of good governance and compliance within national cricket bodies. While the membership is temporarily suspended, U.S. teams continue to have opportunities to compete internationally and prepare for the 2028 Olympics. The steps outlined by the ICC and monitored by the Normalisation Committee aim to ensure that reforms are implemented effectively, allowing USA Cricket to regain its full membership in the future.
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