The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended USA Cricket’s membership, citing repeated failures to comply with governance standards and constitutional requirements. The decision was taken after months of monitoring and consultation, during which USA Cricket was given multiple opportunities to address concerns but fell short of meeting the ICC’s expectations.
At the heart of the suspension are governance lapses that include an incomplete or dysfunctional board structure, lack of transparent decision-making, and financial management issues that have raised reputational concerns for the sport in the United States. The ICC stated that USA Cricket’s inability to establish a credible governance framework had left it with no choice but to step in, prioritizing the long-term interests of the game.
Despite the suspension, the ICC has confirmed that USA’s national teams—both men’s and women’s—will still be eligible to participate in ICC-sanctioned tournaments. This safeguard is intended to protect players and allow them to continue competing at the highest level while administrative reforms take place. High-performance programs, funding, and preparation for key events, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, will now be directly supervised by the ICC or its appointed representatives.
In an effort to restore order, the ICC will establish a Normalization Committee tasked with overseeing USA Cricket’s operations, implementing structural reforms, and guiding the organization back to compliance. The committee will work with stakeholders to create a roadmap for reinstatement, focusing on restoring a functioning governance model, ensuring transparency, and aligning with ICC membership criteria.
USA Cricket’s troubles have been mounting for over a year. At the 2024 ICC Annual General Meeting, the organization had been formally put on notice for non-compliance and given time to rectify governance issues. However, progress was deemed insufficient, leading to this decisive action.
The suspension is a major moment for cricket in the United States, which has been on a growth trajectory following the success of Major League Cricket and the increased attention leading up to the Olympics. The ICC’s intervention is designed to ensure that administrative challenges do not derail this momentum and that cricket in the U.S. is managed professionally, transparently, and sustainably.
This move sends a clear message to all member boards about the importance of good governance and accountability. For USA Cricket, it represents both a setback and an opportunity—a chance to rebuild from the ground up, restore credibility, and position itself as a strong, well-run organization ahead of a critical period for the sport in America.
12BET Shortlisted for Sportsbook Operator of the Year at SBC Awards 2025