The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended USA Cricket’s membership after finding repeated failures in meeting its obligations as a member. This decision, announced in September 2025, comes after months of warnings and reviews, where the ICC had already placed USA Cricket “on notice” for not following proper governance standards.
The suspension marks a major setback for cricket in the United States, a country the ICC has often described as one of the most important new markets for the global growth of the sport.
Why Did the ICC Take Action?
The ICC requires every member board to meet certain rules and responsibilities. These include good governance, financial discipline, transparent elections, and proper management of cricket operations. According to the ICC, USA Cricket had not been able to meet these standards, even after being given enough time to fix the problems.
In 2024, during its Annual General Meeting, the ICC formally put USA Cricket “on notice.” This was essentially a warning that the board had to make big changes in the way it functioned. The ICC asked for reforms such as holding fair elections, improving transparency, and creating stronger systems to manage cricket in the country.
Despite promises, the ICC found that USA Cricket failed to carry out these reforms in full. As a result, the global body decided that suspension was the only option left.
What Does “On Notice” Mean?
When the ICC places a member “on notice,” it signals that the board is under close watch. The member still retains its rights but must show improvement within a set timeline. For USA Cricket, the ICC allowed a 12-month period to fix its governance issues.
In July 2025, USA Cricket made representations to the ICC and gave assurances that it would introduce reforms. The ICC even extended the period of review, hoping for progress. But when these commitments were not fully met, the ICC moved forward with suspension.
What the Suspension Means
The suspension mostly affects USA Cricket’s management powers. It no longer has voting rights in ICC meetings, access to ICC money, or a role in future decisions. The ICC might also take control of some operations through an independent committee until the issues are solved.
However, the ICC made it clear that this decision will not affect the United States men’s and women’s teams from competing in ICC tournaments. For example, the USA men’s team, which has qualified for ICC events, will still be allowed to take part. This is important because the country is seen as a rising force, especially after co-hosting the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup with the West Indies.
Problems Behind the Suspension
The main issues that led to suspension were linked to governance and financial disputes. Reports suggest that USA Cricket has faced continuous struggles with holding elections on time, running its affairs transparently, and managing partnerships effectively.
One of the most serious concerns was its dispute with American Cricket Enterprises (ACE), the private partner that helped develop professional cricket in the United States. The disagreements between USA Cricket and ACE led to legal action, which raised further doubts about stability and financial health.
The ICC stressed that such instability was not acceptable for a member board, especially at a time when cricket is looking to grow in the U.S. market.
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Impact on Players and Fans
For players, the ICC’s assurance that teams can still play in ICC events provides relief. This means players representing the United States will not miss out on the chance to play in international cricket.
For fans, the immediate impact may not be visible. Domestic matches, leagues, and grassroots programs may continue as usual. But if USA Cricket cannot resolve its governance issues, the long-term development of the sport could suffer. Lack of funds and organizational support may slow down cricket’s progress in schools, youth programs, and domestic competitions.
What Happens Next?
The ICC has the power to restore membership once USA Cricket meets its obligations. This will likely involve:
- Conducting free and fair elections.
- Introducing new governance rules.
- Settling financial and legal disputes.
- Rebuilding trust with stakeholders and partners.
If USA Cricket can meet these demands in time, the suspension may be lifted. But if the problems continue, the ICC could extend the suspension or take stronger steps.
Why This Matters for Global Cricket
Cricket is still a developing sport in the United States, but it has huge potential. The ICC sees the U.S. as a major growth market due to its large population, commercial opportunities, and the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket will be played.
A strong and well-run national board is crucial for this growth. By suspending USA Cricket, the ICC is sending a message to all members: governance standards are not optional. Every member must show transparency, fairness, and professionalism if cricket is to grow globally.
Conclusion
The ICC’s suspension of USA Cricket shows the need for good management in international sport. While U.S. players can still play worldwide, the board must quickly rebuild trust and solve its problems.
This move is both a warning and an opportunity. With proper reforms, USA Cricket can return stronger and secure its place in the sport’s global future. Without them, cricket risks losing momentum in a key emerging market.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
