The ICC has decided to suspend the USA Cricket Board as it attempts to overhall the lead and governance structure of the game in the major market, according to ESPNcricinfo. However, it has been reported that the USAC suspension will not affect the USA participation in the T20 World Cup to be held in India and Sri Lanka next year.
The move was confirmed after a virtual meeting of the ICC Board. This came at a time when American cricket was given administrative turmoil, power struggle and questions on its governance model.
Along with the T20 World Cup, the participation of the United States Cricket Team in Los Angeles 2028 will also not be affected by the suspension of the USAC. This step is completely to implement reforms by the ICC.
USAC suspension amid government concerns
The sudden and immediate cause of the suspension of the USAC has not been publicly disclosed, but the decision follows months warnings from the international body. In July 2024, a three -month window was released to the USAC to conduct fair elections and to carry out comprehensive governance reforms.
At that time, the ICC made it clear to the Cricket Board of the Cricket Board of the United States that further action would be taken to stop the reforms. The suspension comes at the end of its reprief, showing that the USAC failed to meet the expectations of the ICC.
However, the USAC President, Venu Pisik mentions that he has not received direct communication from the International Cricket Council, so many people have been thrown into uncertainty on their future.
Olympic Roadmap and ICC formation of a generalization committee
However, the ICC has clarified that suspension will not have any impact on USA’s participation in the LA28 Cricket Olympics, where both USA men and women teams are expected to be a medal contenders as a host of the Olympic Games.
However, to achieve this, the USAC must secure recognition as a national governing body from the American Olympic and Paralympic Committee. However, to achieve this situation, they need strong operational regime.
In the preparation, the ICC’s Generalization Committee headed by J Shah had drawn a six-offer roadmap for the first reforms. These stages included the introduction of three independent directors of the USAC Board, disintegration of the current board and the operation of new elections.
Build tension between USAC and American cricket enterprise
The lack of governance within the USAC has been extended by a quarrel between the board and the US Cricket Enterprise, former commercial partner and the league like Major League Cricket and Minor League cricket in the US.
The USAC’s decision to end the contract with ACE gave rise to a legal battle that led to instability within the organization. It has also influenced American players, who are rethinking their decision to play for the side.
Former Kiwi all-rounder Corey Anderson, now a prominent person in the US-Cricket expressed his frustration on the situation. This suspension will only add uncertainty on the development of professional cricket in the US.
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