(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
ICC Suspends USA Cricket’s Membership Over Governance Issues
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended USA Cricket’s membership with immediate effect, citing repeated breaches of obligations under its constitution. Despite the suspension, U.S. national teams will still be able to compete in international tournaments, including preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the ICC said the decision followed “continued failures to establish a functional governance structure” and a lack of progress in achieving National Governing Body status with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). The governing body also pointed to “significant actions” that caused reputational damage to cricket both in the United States and globally.
The ICC confirmed that the U.S. men’s team will participate in the 2026 T20 World Cup, with team management temporarily overseen by the ICC itself. The U.S. secured qualification after reaching the Super Eight stage at the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Calling the move “unfortunate but necessary,” the ICC emphasized that the suspension was aimed at safeguarding the sport’s long-term interests. It also assured that players and competitions will not be negatively affected.
USA Cricket had already been warned at the 2024 ICC Annual General Meeting and given 12 months to meet membership requirements, but the organization failed to comply.
