ICC Suspends USA Cricket Membership Amid Governance Issues

ICC Takes Action Against USA Cricket

In a significant setback for USA Cricket, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the immediate suspension of its membership on September 23. This decision comes in light of ongoing governance and operational difficulties faced by the USA, which co-hosted the T20 World Cup last year but remains an associate member of the ICC.

The suspension coincides with a dispute between USA Cricket and American Cricket Enterprises (ACE) regarding the termination of a 50-year partnership agreement established in 2019 aimed at promoting professional cricket in the U.S. ACE, which oversees the Major Cricket League, has initiated legal action against USA Cricket, claiming the termination was 'improper'.

This suspension represents a critical blow to the future of cricket in the United States, as the ICC grapples with maintaining stability and credibility within the sport.

Reasons Behind the Suspension

The ICC's decision to suspend USA Cricket's associate membership stems from multiple breaches of its obligations as a member. According to the ICC, these breaches include:

1. Absence of a functional governance structure.

2. Lack of progress towards achieving National Governing Body status with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC).

3. Actions that have harmed the reputation of cricket both domestically and internationally.

The ICC stated, 'The decision was made during a board meeting based on USA Cricket's ongoing failures to meet its obligations under the ICC Constitution.'

Impact on USA Cricket's Future

Despite the suspension, the USA Cricket team continues to fulfill its on-field commitments, recently competing against Oman in the ICC Men’s World Cup Qualifier League 2. The USA is still expected to participate in the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, having qualified directly after finishing in the top eight in the previous tournament.

Additionally, the ICC confirmed that the suspension will not affect the USA's participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, stating that USA national teams will retain their rights to compete in ICC events.

Path to Membership Restoration

In light of the suspension, the ICC has established a Normalisation Committee to assist USA Cricket in addressing the issues leading to the suspension. This committee will outline necessary steps for restoring membership rights, which include:

1. Implementing specific changes to governance and operational structures.

2. Monitoring progress and providing consultative support.

Despite co-hosting the T20 World Cup last year, the ICC had previously warned USA Cricket about its failure to meet membership requirements, giving them a year to rectify the situation.

Historical Context

USA Cricket became an associate member in 1965 and participated in its first major international tournament during the 1979 ICC Trophy. The recent T20 World Cup marked a pivotal moment for the USA, highlighting its potential on the global cricket stage and fostering domestic development of the sport.