USA Cricket (USAC) has been given a 12-month notice to address its deficiencies, or it faces the risk of suspension or expulsion from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
This decision was made by the ICC Board on Monday (July 22), alongside an agreement to scrutinise issues related to the conduct of the Twenty20 World Cup, which has raised concerns among some officials within the organisation.
A review committee has been appointed by the ICC, consisting of Lawson Naidoo from South Africa, Imran Khawaja from Singapore, and Roger Twose from New Zealand.
In a statement, the ICC announced, "The ICC Board confirmed that there will be a review into the delivery of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. This will be overseen by three directors, Roger Twose, Lawson Naidoo, and Imran Khwaja, who will report back to the Board later in the year."
The review appears to be a response to calls for an inquiry from certain directors. Previously, Pankaj Khimji of Oman had specifically requested a forensic review of the World Cup expenses. However, an ICC source clarified, "It is an overall review as to what the event achieved against what was targeted, its long-term impact in the US, etc. The review will not be limited to expenses. The exact terms of reference will be decided later."
Reports have suggested that the resignation of two ICC officials was linked to the World Cup's conduct, though the ICC has stated that the departures of Claire Furlong and Chris Tetley were anticipated. Insiders revealed that both officials had informed the ICC of their plans to leave well before the World Cup and attended the Colombo Conclave.
Regarding USAC, the ICC stated, "USA Cricket and Cricket Chile have been formally put on notice and have 12 months to rectify their current non-compliance with the ICC Membership Criteria. Neither member is considered to have in place a fit-for-purpose detailed governance and administrative structure and systems."
Earlier reports indicated that USAC had breached Associate Members Protocols by not having a full-time CEO and lacking recognition from the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee. These issues arise amid internal struggles within USA Cricket, including allegations of corruption and harassment against chairman Venu Pisike by three board directors. USAC has yet to comment on these allegations, which exacerbate the organisation's internal challenges.
Meanwhile, the ICC announced an expansion of the Women's World Cup from 12 to 16 teams by 2030, reflecting its commitment to equity in men's and women's cricket.
The men's Twenty20 World Cup will continue with 20 teams, and the ICC confirmed the allocation of eight regional qualifying spots: two teams each from Africa and Europe, one from the Americas, and three from combined Asia and East Asia Pacific regional finals.
The ICC Annual Conference concluded in Colombo, attended by all 108 ICC members. The four-day conference focused on "capitalising on the Olympic opportunity" ahead of cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.