USA Cricket board faces ICC pressure amid looming suspension threat

BIRMINGHAM: The International Cricket Council (ICC) is preparing to take decisive action against USA Cricket (USAC) as the end of its 12-month governance notice period approaches next month.

Sources familiar with the matter say the ICC is considering suspending the national governing body unless significant leadership changes occur before the ICC’s Annual Conference in July.USAC was formally placed under notice in July 2024, when the ICC established a normalisation committee to oversee compliance and reforms. At the time, the ICC cited the board’s lack of a “fit for purpose” governance and administrative structure.

Since then, little progress has been made, according to individuals with knowledge of recent discussions.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!An ICC delegation visited Los Angeles earlier this month for meetings with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). Those discussions, which included members of the normalisation committee and senior USAC representatives, are understood to have reinforced concerns about ongoing dysfunction and internal disputes within USAC.

One official with direct involvement described the situation as “unsustainable,” noting that despite repeated warnings and external oversight, “very little has changed.”“The ICC’s position is clear: effective governance is non-negotiable, especially ahead of cricket’s return to the Olympics at LA 2028,” the official said.

During the visit, ICC representatives reportedly urged members of the current board, led by Chair Venu Pisike, to step down voluntarily.

While some directors are said to be open to resigning, others remain resistant. A board member told TimesofIndia.com that no formal decisions have been made and that the group is awaiting documentation from the ICC before determining next steps.ICC officials pushed back on that characterisation, stating the Los Angeles discussions were informal and not subject to official minutes. “This is not a bureaucratic technicality,” said one person close to the talks.

“This is about whether the US cricket community is governed competently and transparently.”

A small number of directors remain defiant, according to sources. However, several resignations are expected in the coming weeks in an effort to preempt formal sanctions. Suspension by the ICC would effectively isolate USAC from global cricket structures, impacting its ability to receive funding, host international matches, or participate in development programs.The ICC has not made a public statement on the matter, but with the July deadline approaching, a resolution—voluntary or otherwise—appears imminent.