Los Angeles is preparing to host the 2028 Olympic Games, where cricket will be one of the sporting events. But ahead of the international event, the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday suspended USA Cricket’s membership with immediate effect. The decision came after a comprehensive review process and stakeholder consultations during the last one year.
The ICC said it made the decision due to the repeated breaches by USA Cricket of its duties as provided for in the ICC constitution. The governing body said the American board did not set a proper governance structure and made minimal progress in pursuing recognition as a National Governing Body with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). The ICC also pointed out that USA Cricket’s actions have done great damage to the reputation of the sport in the United States as well as internationally.
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“The suspension is an unfortunate but necessary step to protect the long-term interests of the game, and the ICC’s top priority remains ensuring that the athletes and the sport itself are not impacted due to the suspension,” the ICC said in an official statement.
“This approach reflects the ICC’s firm commitment to upholding the best interests of cricketers in the USA and the sustenance of a High-performance & Player development program which will seek to elevate the stature and capabilities of players representing the USA,” the ICC stated.
Even after suspension, USA men’s and women’s teams will keep competing in ICC events and preparing for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
“The ICC remains committed to supporting the growth of cricket in the United States, protecting the sporting ecosystem and its constituents, namely the athletes and bolstering its march towards a more significant role on the global stage,” the ICC concluded.
To maintain continuity and stability, the ICC or its authorized representatives will take temporary control of handling the USA’s national teams. A Normalisation Committee, supported by ICC management, will lay down the terms of reinstitution. These will include unambiguous reforms to USA Cricket’s governance, administration, and operating structure. The committee will closely monitor the progress of the organization and guide it during the transition phase.
