USA Cricket Suspended by World Governing Body ICC
On September 24, 2025, the International Cricket Council (ICC) made headlines by suspending USA Cricket’s membership with immediate effect. This decision was rooted in several “repeated and continued breaches” of the organization’s obligations, as outlined in the ICC’s constitution. Despite the suspension, teams from the United States will still participate in the lead-up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, ensuring a continuous presence on the international stage.
The ICC’s announcement indicated that the suspension was not a matter taken lightly. The council pointed to “significant actions” that have led to reputational damage for cricket both in the U.S. and globally. However, specifics on these actions were not disclosed, adding an air of mystery to the situation. The ICC emphasized that these steps were essential to safeguard the long-term interests of the sport in America.
At the core of this suspension were crucial failures on the part of USA Cricket. These included the inability to implement a functional governance structure within the organization and a lack of progress toward attaining National Governing Body status with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). This status is vital for a sport’s legitimacy and ability to receive governmental support and funding.
Interestingly, the U.S. men’s cricket team will still compete in the upcoming T20 World Cup scheduled for February 2026. While the team will be managed temporarily by the ICC, this provision aims to ensure that players are not adversely affected by the administrative issues surrounding their governing body. The national team had shown promising signs by reaching the Super Eight stage in the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup, an achievement that helped them qualify for the next tournament.
The ICC’s decision comes after USA Cricket had already been placed “on notice” during the 2024 annual general meeting for failing to meet membership criteria. The governing body provided USA Cricket with a 12-month timeline to make the necessary changes, a grace period that evidently did not yield the required results. This proactive measure indicates that the ICC is serious about maintaining standards among its member nations, particularly as cricket attempts to grow in non-traditional markets.
The implications of this suspension extend beyond administrative hurdles; they might affect the future of cricket in the United States. As enthusiasm for the sport builds in anticipation of the 2028 Olympics, maintaining a robust organizational framework becomes increasingly crucial. The ICC’s involvement in managing the U.S. team may help stabilize things in the short term, but long-term solutions will need to come from within USA Cricket itself.