ICC Warns USA Cricket of Potential Suspension for Non-Compliance

The ICC has cautioned USA Cricket (USAC) that it risks being "put on notice" for failing to comply with Associate membership requirements. This warning comes shortly after the USA co-hosted its first-ever ICC global event, the T20 World Cup, with the West Indies in June, marking the ICC's efforts to expand into North America.

USAC is potentially in breach on two counts: it has not met the governance norms set by the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), necessary for National Governing Body (NGB) status for sports included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and it lacks a "fit-for-purpose administrative structure," including a CEO.

The ICC's recent note to its members, titled "Associate Member Membership Update," was sent on July 11, highlighting that the USOPC had "serious concerns" about USAC's governance. The USOPC indicated that if USAC does not achieve NGB certification, an alternate NGB for cricket may be recognised, potentially putting USAC in breach of ICC Membership Criteria.

This is the second alert this year for USAC. After its March meetings, the ICC had already warned USAC about not complying with USOPC requirements and the lack of a CEO. The ICC also noted USAC's failure to appoint an independent director to its Board.

ICC CEO Geoff Allardice, in an email to USAC chair Venu Piske, acknowledged the importance of the USA as a "cricket territory" but also mentioned the "long history of problems" with USAC. The ICC Board considered suspending USAC in March for "serious breach of membership obligations" but refrained to avoid disrupting preparations for the 2024 T20 World Cup. Instead, USAC was given a "last chance" to remedy the issues.

The ICC Board stopped USAC's annual funding until compliance was achieved, allowing only "controlled funding" on an "exceptional basis" to prevent prejudice against cricket in the USA. During the T20 World Cup, ICC chair Greg Barclay and Allardice reiterated the risk of suspension to USAC if it failed to meet membership criteria.

In a July AGM note, the ICC mentioned that USAC still did not have an appropriate administrative structure, with no CEO and resigned development staff yet to be replaced. The ICC recommended stronger sanctions against USAC.

In response on July 12, USAC informed the ICC that it had appointed an independent director, Pintoo Shah, who also took on the Treasurer role. USAC explained that delays were due to constitutional amendments required to align with USOPC regulations. USAC claimed it was unfair for the ICC to threaten "drastic action" when USAC was actively working towards compliance, noting that it was informed of the NGB accreditation process only in January and had until September 30 to submit compliance.

USAC also stated that it had shortlisted candidates for the CEO position, with the new CEO expected to be appointed after the ICC AGM.