The ICC has decided to suspend the U.S. Cricket Commission to overhaul sports leadership and governance structure in key markets, according to ESPNcricinfo. However, it has been reported that the USAC suspension will not affect the US’s participation in the T20 World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka next year.
The move was confirmed after a virtual meeting on the ICC board. It came when American cricket was plagued by administrative confusion, power struggles and questions about its governance model.
In addition to the T20 World Cup, the participation of the US cricket team at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics will also not be affected by the USAC suspension. The only move is to implement reforms by the ICC.
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USAC halt amid governance concerns
The sudden and immediate reason for the USAC suspension has not been publicly disclosed, but the decision follows months of warning from international organizations. In July 2024, the USAC was issued a three-month window to conduct fair elections and implement comprehensive governance reforms.
At that point, the ICC made it clear to the Cricket Committee of the United States Cricket Committee that further action will be taken if reforms ceased. The suspension is coming at the end of his reprieve, indicating that USAC failed to meet ICC’s expectations.
However, USAC Chairman Venu Pisike says they have not received direct communication from the International Cricket Council, which has cast a lot of uncertainty about their future.
Olympic Roadmap and Formation of the ICC Normalization Committee
Although the ICC has made it clear that suspension will not affect the US participation in the LA28 Cricket Olympics, where both male and female teams in the US are expected to become medal candidates as Olympic hosts.
However, to achieve this, the USAC must ensure recognition as the national governing body of the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee. However, achieving this status requires robust operational governance.
In preparation, the ICC’s regularization committee chaired by Jay Shah had previously created a six-stage roadmap for reform. These procedures included the introduction of three independent board members of the USAC Board, the dissolution of the current board, and the implementation of new elections.
Tensions rise between USAC and American Cricket Enterprise
The lack of governance within the USAC is exacerbated by the feud between the board and the American Cricket Enterprise, former commercial partner, and the real power behind leagues such as the American Major League Cricket and Minor League Cricket.
The USAC’s decision to terminate its contract with ACE caused a legal battle, further leading to instability within the organization. This also has an impact on American players who are reconsidering their decision to play for the side.
Former Kiwi all-rounder Corey Anderson is now a prominent figure in the American clergy and has expressed his own frustration with the situation. This suspension is only added to uncertainty regarding the development of professional cricket in the US.
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