ICC suspends USA Cricket with immediate effect due to breach of member obligations

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended USA Cricket with immediate effect due to breach of obligations as an ICC Member under the ICC’s Constitution, the ICC announced on Tuesday.

“The International Cricket Council (ICC), after a thorough review of affairs and extensive engagement with key stakeholders over the past year, today confirmed the suspension of ICC membership status of USA Cricket, with immediate effect,” the ICC said in a statement.

The decision, taken by the ICC Board during its meeting earlier, was based on USA Cricket’s repeated and continued breaches of its obligations as an ICC Member under the ICC’s Constitution.

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“These include, but are not limited to, the failure to implement a functional governance structure, lack of progress toward achieving National Governing Body status with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), and significant actions that have caused reputational damage to cricket in the United States and around the world,” cricket’s global governing body added.

The ICC’s move, however, marks a dramatic turn just days after USAC terminated its 50-year commercial pact with American Cricket Enterprises (ACE), once hailed as the cornerstone of the sport’s growth in the U.S. Signed in 2019, the deal gave ACE control of elite T20 cricket in exchange for funding national teams, building six stadiums, and launching leagues.

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That partnership oversaw milestones such as co-hosting the 2024 T20 World Cup, upsetting Pakistan, and winning the ICC’s Associate Team of the Year award. But ties broke down this summer, with USAC citing unpaid dues, failed infrastructure promises, and interference in governance. ACE rejected the claims, accusing the board of misrepresenting the deal.

The suspension also follows an ICC ultimatum in July, which gave USAC three months to hold “free and fair” elections and implement governance reforms.

Despite the sanction, the ICC Board has decided that the USA’s national teams will retain their right to participate in ICC events, including preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games (LA28).

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The management and administration of the teams will temporarily be overseen by the ICC and its designated representatives to ensure continued support for the players and maintain momentum towards Olympic inclusion.

To restore membership, the ICC Normalisation Committee — supported by ICC management — will set out specific conditions, including demonstrable reforms in governance, operations, and the board’s standing within the cricket ecosystem. The committee will also monitor USAC’s progress and provide consultatory support.

Published on Sep 23, 2025

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