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ICC Suspends USA Cricket Over Governance Failures and Breaches
Follow UsHowever, USA will still compete in the LA Olympics 2028 despite the board's suspension
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended USA Cricket’s membership with immediate effect, following a year-long review and extensive consultations with stakeholders.
The ICC Board, meeting earlier this week, ruled that USA Cricket had repeatedly failed to meet its obligations under the ICC Constitution. Key breaches included the absence of a functional governance structure, lack of progress in securing recognition as a National Governing Body by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), and actions that have damaged the reputation of cricket both in the US and internationally.
While the suspension halts USA Cricket’s membership rights, the ICC has stressed that athletes and the sport itself will not be penalised. USA’s national teams will continue to compete in ICC events, including preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. To ensure continuity, the ICC and its appointed representatives will temporarily oversee the administration of the USA’s national teams, player development programmes, and high-performance systems.
A Normalisation Committee, backed by ICC management, will now map out the steps required for USA Cricket to have its membership restored. This will involve concrete reforms in governance, operations, and compliance. The committee will also monitor progress and provide advisory support during the process.
The ICC underlined its commitment to the long-term growth of cricket in the United States and to safeguarding the interests of athletes as the sport looks ahead to Olympic inclusion and a stronger global presence.
Why has USA Cricket been suspended?
At the 2024 ICC Annual General Meeting, USA Cricket was formally placed “on notice” for failing to comply with membership criteria, and given 12 months to address shortcomings.
Although USA Cricket later made commitments that briefly delayed suspension, it was warned in writing that failure to meet obligations, or any action that risked Olympic inclusion or brought the sport into disrepute, would result in immediate sanctions. Continued non-compliance has now led to this suspension.