ICC Warns USA Cricket: Suspension Looms Amid Governance Crisis

ICC Puts Pressure on USA Cricket Amidst Suspension Threat

BIRMINGHAM: The International Cricket Council (ICC) is on the verge of taking firm action against USA Cricket (USAC) as the 12-month governance notice period nears its end next month.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is the global governing body of cricket.

Sources indicate that the ICC is contemplating suspending the national governing body unless significant leadership changes materialize before the ICC’s Annual Conference in July.

USAC was officially placed under notice in July 2024, when the ICC established a normalization committee tasked with overseeing compliance and reforms. The ICC cited the board’s inadequate governance and administrative structure as the reason for this action. However, according to individuals familiar with recent discussions, little progress has been made since then.

Earlier this month, an ICC delegation visited Los Angeles to meet with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). These discussions, which included members of the normalization committee and senior USAC representatives, reportedly reinforced concerns regarding the ongoing dysfunction and internal disputes within USAC.

One official directly involved described the situation as “unsustainable,” emphasizing that despite repeated warnings and external oversight, “very little has changed.”

"The ICC’s position is clear: effective governance is non-negotiable, especially ahead of cricket’s return to the Olympics at LA 2028," the official stated.

During the visit, ICC representatives reportedly urged members of the current board, led by Chair Venu Pisike, to voluntarily step down. While some directors are said to be open to resigning, others remain resistant. A board member informed TimesofIndia.com that no formal decisions have been made and that the group is awaiting documentation from the ICC before determining the next steps.

ICC officials refuted that characterization, stating that the Los Angeles discussions were informal and not subject to official minutes. “This is not a bureaucratic technicality,” said one person close to the talks. “This is about whether the US cricket community is governed competently and transparently.”

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Sources say that a small number of directors remain defiant. However, several resignations are anticipated in the coming weeks in an effort to preempt formal sanctions. A suspension by the ICC would effectively isolate USAC from global cricket structures, impacting its ability to receive funding, host international matches, or participate in development programs.

While the ICC has not released a public statement on the matter, a resolution—voluntary or otherwise—appears imminent with the July deadline quickly approaching.