The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended USA Cricket (USAC) with immediate effect, citing repeated breaches of its constitutional obligations and failure to implement long-pending governance reforms. The decision was confirmed after a virtual ICC Board meeting, ending months of speculation around the embattled board.
Why has ICC suspended USA?
According to the ICC, USAC failed to conduct free and fair elections, induct independent directors, and secure recognition as a National Governing Body (NGB) from the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). These reforms were deemed crucial, particularly with cricket set to make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games. The ICC accused USAC of “repeated and continued breaches” that have led to reputational damage for the sport in the US.
To restore order, a Normalisation Committee led by ICC officials will take charge of governance and high-performance operations of the USA’s national teams. The ICC termed the intervention “unfortunate but necessary” to safeguard cricket’s long-term future in one of its key growth markets.
No impact on global participation
Despite the suspension, the ICC confirmed there is no threat to USA’s participation in global tournaments. The USA men’s and women’s teams will remain eligible to compete internationally.
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The USA men’s team has already qualified for the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka by finishing in the top eight of the 2024 edition. Their historic Super Over win against Pakistan in New York was one of the standout moments of that tournament.
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USA’s inclusion in LA28 Olympics is also unaffected, as cricket returns to the Games with six men’s and six women’s teams. Being the host nation, USA’s participation is assured.
Roadmap for reinstatement
For USA Cricket to regain full ICC membership, the Normalisation Committee has set a clear roadmap:
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Dissolution of the current board
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Implementation of a restructured governance framework
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Conduct of fresh, transparent elections
Until then, the ICC will directly oversee the management of USA’s teams, ensuring continuity of cricketing operations despite the administrative shake-up.
