ICC Bans USA’s National Cricket League for Rule Violations

The ICC has set a significant precedent by banning the National Cricket League (NCL) in the USA due to repeated violations of its player eligibility and sanctioning rules. This decision comes a year after the ICC introduced stricter guidelines for sanctioning T20 and T10 leagues worldwide. 

In a letter addressed to USA Cricket (USAC), the ICC outlined concerns over the NCL’s failure to comply with regulations requiring seven USAC-affiliated players in the playing eleven. Instances of six or more foreign players appearing in matches were cited as violations known to NCL authorities. Operational issues were also highlighted, including substandard pitch conditions that forced pacers like Wahab Riaz and Tymal Mills to bowl spin to prevent injuries. 

The league attempted to generate interest by involving cricket legends like Wasim Akram and Vivian Richards as ambassadors and engaging Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar in its ownership. Despite these efforts, the NCL’s operational inefficiencies undermined its credibility. Concerns about the handling of foreign players and potential violations of U.S. immigration laws further tarnished its reputation. Reports suggest that not all players entered the U.S. on valid sports visas, likely due to cost-cutting measures. 

USA Cricket seems to have taken the ICC’s warning seriously, as it recently declined to sanction the US Open T20, another long-running tournament. This could signal a broader ICC initiative to overhaul league sanctioning standards, ensuring stricter adherence to regulations across emerging cricket markets.