Explained: Why the ICC cracked down on USA Cricket, and what it means for the team?

Why the ICC cracked down on USA Cricket, and what it means for the team? (Photo- Reuters/AFP)

After a virtual meeting on Tuesday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) suspended USA Cricket (USAC) with immediate effect. Till wholesale reforms are implemented, the ICC will manage and administer the USA’s national sides.

“The decision, taken by the ICC Board during its meeting earlier, was based on USA Cricket's repeated and continued breaches of its obligations as an ICC Member under the ICC's Constitution,” said an ICC media release. “These include, but are not limited to, the failure to implement a functional governance structure, lack of progress toward achieving National Governing Body status with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), and significant actions that have caused reputational damage to cricket in the United States and around the world.”

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Is this a recurring problem?

Yes, it is. Cricket administration in the USA has frequently come under the ICC’s scanner in the last 20 years. Warring factions and inept administration have prevented the sport from really taking off and enjoying the kind of status that American Football, baseball, basketball, ice hockey or even soccer enjoy. This isn’t the first suspension. It probably won’t be the last.

What precipitated this?

Under Jay Shah, who currently heads the ICC, the global body had given USAC a roadmap to secure national governing body (NGB) status from the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). For all sports that were added to the LA28 schedule, this is compulsory. The ICC met USAC’s top officials in April and June, and a suspension was mooted at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in July. With the roadmap not followed to the ICC’s satisfaction, harsh action has been taken.

Does this affect cricket’s Olympic future?

Unlikely. There is enough time for the ICC to fix the mess and ensure that the USA, as hosts, are part of the Olympic competition.

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Will the USA be allowed to play in the T20 World Cup in India in 2026?

Having upset Pakistan and reached the second round in 2024, the USA have already qualified for the event. Their participation won’t be impacted either, with the ICC saying that its top priority remains “ensuring that the athletes and the sport itself are not impacted due to the suspension”.

Is there more chaos behind the scenes?

Yes. The USAC recently ended its commercial agreement with American Cricket Enterprises (ACE), the parent company of Major League Cricket (MLC). The league, just three seasons old, is now in jeopardy, with players, coaches and dozens of other staff anxious about their futures.