The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially suspended USA Cricket’s membership after repeated governance failures and breaches of ICC’s constitutional requirements. The move comes as part of the ICC’s effort to safeguard the sport, protect players, and secure cricket’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Why Did ICC Suspend USA Cricket?
The ICC Board made its decision following an extensive review and discussions with key stakeholders. USA Cricket failed to:
- Implement a functional and transparent governance structure.
- Progress toward National Governing Body recognition by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC).
- Prevent reputational damage to cricket both within the U.S. and internationally.
These repeated violations of membership obligations left the ICC with no choice but to enforce suspension.
Impact on USA Cricket Teams
Despite the suspension, USA’s men’s and women’s national teams will continue to participate in ICC tournaments. Their preparations for the LA28 Olympic Games remain unaffected. To ensure stability, team management and administration will temporarily be overseen by the ICC and its appointed representatives. This step is intended to support athletes, maintain high-performance development, and protect cricket’s growth in the United States.
Path to Reinstatement
The ICC has established a Normalization Committee tasked with monitoring USA Cricket’s progress and guiding reforms. To regain full membership, USA Cricket must:
- Implement a stronger governance model.
- Ensure transparent operations.
- Demonstrate accountability in the cricket ecosystem.
Only after meeting these requirements will USA Cricket’s suspension be lifted.
ICC’s Commitment to U.S. Cricket
The ICC emphasized that this suspension is a corrective measure, not a punishment. Its priority remains safeguarding athletes, restoring credibility, and ensuring cricket’s sustainable growth in the U.S. market.
At the 2024 ICC Annual General Meeting, USA Cricket was put “on notice” for non-compliance and given 12 months to correct its governance shortcomings. Despite assurances, continued breaches—including actions that risked cricket’s Olympic aspirations—forced the ICC Board to impose suspension in 2025.
