ICC Suspends USA Cricket Over Governance Issues, But Teams Can Still Play

Banned: ICC Suspends USA Cricket Over Governance Issues, But Teams Can Still Play

ICC suspends USA Cricket board’s membership with immediate effect over repeated governance failures, but USA teams can still play in ICC events and prepare for Los Angeles 2028.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially suspended USA Cricket (USAC), aiming to reset and rebuild the sport’s leadership and structure in the United States. The decision was made during a virtual ICC Board meeting on Tuesday. Despite the suspension, the USA national teams will still be allowed to participate in major events like the T20 World Cup in February 2026 (hosted by India and Sri Lanka) and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

This move comes two months after the ICC gave USAC a three-month deadline to hold fair elections and fix its governance problems. USAC had already been “on notice” since July 2024. The ICC had warned that failure to meet the required reforms could lead to serious action and that’s exactly what happened.

The ICC said the suspension was due to repeated violations of USAC’s responsibilities as an ICC member. These included failing to build a proper governance system, not making progress toward becoming a recognized National Governing Body (NGB) with the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), and actions that hurt cricket’s reputation both in the US and globally.

Importantly, the suspension won’t affect cricket’s inclusion in the LA 2028 Olympics. The ICC confirmed that USA teams can still compete in ICC tournaments and prepare for the Games. Calling the decision “unfortunate but necessary,” the ICC said its main goal is to protect the sport and ensure players aren’t affected.

Over the past year, the ICC had been working with USAC to create a six-step roadmap to help it qualify for NGB status something required for Olympic participation. This plan was developed by the ICC’s Normalisation Committee, led by Jay Shah. The committee met USAC leaders Venu Pisike and Johnathan Atkeison twice, once virtually in April and then in person in June.

The roadmap included bringing in three new independent directors, having the current board step down, and holding fresh elections. After that, USAC would apply for NGB status. Alongside this, the ICC also planned a full review and update of the USAC Constitution, working closely with the new directors and other stakeholders.

USAC had narrowly avoided suspension at the ICC’s July annual meeting by promising to meet these conditions. But after failing to follow through, the ICC decided to take control of managing the USA national teams.

To lift the suspension, USAC will need to make clear and specific changes to its governance and operations. The Normalisation Committee will guide and monitor this process.

The ICC ended its statement by reaffirming its commitment to growing cricket in the US, supporting athletes, and helping the sport play a bigger role on the global stage.