ICC Suspends USA Cricket Membership Over Governance Failures, But Teams Can Still Compete Up to 2028 Olympics
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended USA Cricket’s membership with immediate effect due to ongoing breaches of its obligations, including governance lapses and failure to secure National Governing Body (NGB) status with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). The decision, announced on Tuesday, 23 September 2025, marks a significant blow to the organisation amid preparations for cricket’s Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. However, the ICC has assured that USA teams will remain eligible for international events, including the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, with temporary oversight from the ICC to protect athletes and the sport’s growth in the region.
This suspension comes after USA Cricket was placed on notice at the 2024 ICC Annual General Meeting (AGM) for non-compliance, giving it 12 months to rectify issues. Despite representations, the ICC Board opted for immediate action, citing “repeated and continued breaches” that have caused reputational damage to cricket in the US and globally. As South Africa celebrates Heritage Day, reflecting on unity and progress, this development highlights challenges in growing cricket beyond traditional strongholds, even as the US emerges as a key market following its co-hosting of the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Reasons for the Suspension: Governance and Compliance Issues
The ICC Board cited multiple failures in USA Cricket’s obligations under the ICC Constitution. Key breaches include the inability to implement a functional governance structure and lack of progress toward NGB recognition by the USOPC. Additionally, “significant actions that have caused reputational damage to cricket in the United States and around the world” were highlighted, though specifics were not detailed in the statement.
USA Cricket had been on notice since July 2024, following the AGM, where it was given a year to comply. The organisation’s internal struggles, including leadership disputes and financial issues, have long plagued its development, stalling efforts to professionalise the sport amid growing interest post the 2024 T20 World Cup. The ICC described the suspension as “unfortunate but necessary” to safeguard the long-term interests of cricket.
Impact on USA Teams: Continued Participation with ICC Oversight
Despite the suspension, the ICC has built safeguards to ensure athletes are not affected. USA teams will continue competing in ICC events, including the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, where they qualified after reaching the Super Eight stage in 2024. The ICC will temporarily oversee team management for these competitions.
Crucially, the suspension will not hinder USA Cricket’s aspirations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket returns after 128 years. “The ICC’s top priority remains ensuring that the athletes and the sport itself are not impacted due to the suspension,” the statement noted. This allows the US men’s and women’s teams to pursue Olympic qualification without disruption.
Reactions from the Cricket Community and Stakeholders
The decision has elicited mixed reactions. On social media, cricket enthusiasts expressed disappointment but not surprise, citing USA Cricket’s “embarrassing shambles driven by petty politics.” Journalist Malcolm Conn tweeted: “Inevitably! @usacricket are an embarrassing shambles… Cricket’s drive to be a serious sport in the world’s biggest sports market is constantly damaged by woeful administration.”
Others welcomed the move as a step toward reform, with one user noting: “ICC suspends USA Cricket board… But ICC gives green signal to USA to participate in the @T20WorldCup.” The USOPC’s lack of recognition has been a key hurdle, delaying cricket’s Olympic integration.
USA Cricket has not yet issued a formal response, but the suspension could lead to restructuring under ICC guidance.
Background and Future for Cricket in the US
USA Cricket’s troubles stem from governance issues, including failed compliance with ICC standards since gaining associate membership in 1965. The 2024 T20 World Cup, co-hosted with the West Indies, boosted the sport’s profile, with the US team upsetting Pakistan and qualifying for 2026. However, administrative failures have hindered growth.
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