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June 30, 2025

USA Cricket faces suspension as ICC tightens noose over governance failures

USA Cricket faces suspension as ICC tightens noose over governance failures
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USA Cricket (USAC) is on the brink of suspension after the International Cricket Council (ICC) made a decisive move following a year-long warning over governance issues. As the ICC’s 12-month notice period expires ahead of its Annual Conference in July, the organisation faces suspension unless urgent leadership reforms are enacted before the meeting begins.

The ICC first raised concerns in July last year, warning both USA Cricket and Cricket Chile for failing to meet its membership criteria, particularly in governance and administrative structure. The situation escalated as USA Cricket reportedly dismissed its CEO, Dr. Noor Murad—a move criticized by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, which described the decision as an "obstruction" to organisational stability.

At the Annual Conference this week in Birmingham, the ICC Board confirmed it is seriously considering a suspension of USA Cricket under Article 2.7, due to ongoing non-compliance. A suspension would immediately strip USA Cricket of ICC funding and administrative authority, such as event approvals. Oversight would be transferred to ICC-appointed trustees from the BCCI, ECB, CA, and WICB.

Despite potential suspension, the ICC has assured that the USA men's and U19 teams will still be allowed to participate in the upcoming ICC World T20 Qualifier and the Americas U19 Championship. The intent is to isolate administrative issues from cricketing activity, protecting players’ pathways on the global stage.

Why this matters

  • Home of cricket in North America: The U.S. was recently co-host to the 2024 men’s T20 World Cup, showcasing games in New York, Dallas, and Florida—signalling cricket's ambition in a major new market.
     
  • Olympic momentum: Governance criteria were critical for USA Cricket’s eligibility for National Governing Body (NGB) status, a prerequisite for cricket's return to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

USA Cricket now must urgently overhaul its leadership: appointing a new CEO, filling executive positions, and implementing governance reforms to satisfy both the ICC and USOPC. 

The ICC has placed its reinstatement under ongoing supervision by executive representatives from leading Full Members. Without evidence of meaningful change before July’s conference, suspension appears inevitable.

The ICC’s strong stance underscores its zero-tolerance on governance lapses—even in emerging markets. For USA Cricket, the coming weeks are make-or-break; failure to reform swiftly could marginalise the nation’s presence in global cricket at a crucial point in its development.


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