In an important development, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has initiated efforts to address deep governance issues within the USA Cricket (USAC). Vikas 2028 comes further from the Los Angeles Olympics after pressure from the American Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC).
The United States co-screened the 2024 T20 World Cup and qualified for the 2026 edition. Cricket is also set to return to the Olympics after more than a century, including the game of Los Angeles 2028. However, participation in the ongoing governance crisis in USA cricket can be endangered.
ICC warns USA cricket of potential suspension on governance issues
The ICC has warned the USAC of a possible suspension from international cricket if its instructions are not followed. Meanwhile, the American Olympic and Paralympic Committee has included cricket’s participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in compliance with its USAC standards.
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As the host nation, the USA is expected to bring teams of both men and women into the fray between six who compete for a medal. However, the USAC has so far met the required requirements for the National Governing Body (NGB) certification under the USOPC guidelines.
After issuing a warning in July 2023, the ICC has now increased its participation with a wide roadmap in an email sent to USAC on 10 July.
ICC to address USA cricket crisis at AGM 20 July in Singapore
The ICC has sent a detailed roadmap to USA cricket before its annual general meeting in Singapore on 20 July, where the board will address the ongoing government crisis. According to Espncricinfo, six steps are designed to help the USAC meet regulatory standards and avoid suspension.
The ICC said in the July 10 email, “A stage-wise approach will be implemented to restore regulator compliance and functional integrity for USA cricket, with the final purpose of gaining the recognition of the National Governing Body (NGB) by the USOPC and gaining eligibility for LA 28 Olympic participation.”
“The committee is committed to helping restoration of the integrity and reliability of USA cricket. Roadmap provides a structured and legitimate passage to achieve NGB status and ensure that USA cricket is eligible to participate in LA28 as a completely obedient Olympic sports body.”
The ICC’s roadmap begins with excluding independent directors to overhaul USA cricket
The ICC’s roadmap begins with the removal of its current independent directors to resolve the issues of USA cricket rule, which will be replaced by three new nominees approved in coordination with the UsopC.
All outgoing directors will again be subject to a two-year cooling-off period before becoming eligible for the posts of any board. At least one of them should be a woman, as is mandatory by the UsopC guidelines. Once the new directors are appointed, the current USAC will leave the board post.
After this infection, the USAC can apply for the NGB position with the usopC. The USAC Constitution will have to undergo amendment to the guidance of ICC stakeholders and new independent directors.
ICC Email said, “It will be subject to review and may be required under the requirements of the revised USA Cricket Constitution, ICC rules or USOPC regime for any long period of disqualification.”
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