ICC Suspends USA Cricket Membership, Ensures National Teams Can Compete in T20 World Cup and 2028 Olympics
ICC Suspends USA Cricket Membership
September 23, 2025 — Dubai: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended the membership of USA Cricket with immediate effect, marking a historic intervention in the governance of one of cricket's fastest-growing markets. The decision, announced after a year of detailed reviews and extensive stakeholder consultations, was triggered by USA Cricket's repeated failure to comply with key obligations under the ICC Constitution.
Reasons for Suspension
The ICC Board listed several serious governance concerns:
- Failure to establish a functional governance structure.
- Lack of progress towards achieving National Governing Body status with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
- Actions causing reputational damage to the sport in the US and globally.
Many of these issues had been highlighted at the 2024 ICC AGM, where USA Cricket was put 'on notice' and given a year to effect reforms. Despite multiple engagements, USA Cricket was unable to demonstrate the necessary organizational and constitutional changes, prompting this suspension.
Impact on Cricket in the USA
Importantly, the ICC stressed that the suspension will not prevent Team USA's participation in upcoming international events, including the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 and the cricket competition at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Athletes and team performance programs will be preserved, as the management of USA's national squads temporarily passes under direct ICC administration and oversight.
The Road to Reinstatement
A Normalisation Committee, led by ICC officials and supported by independent directors, will outline a roadmap for USA Cricket's reinstatement. Required steps include:
- Comprehensive governance reforms.
- Demonstrable operational improvements.
- Close monitoring and consultative support from ICC management.
USA Cricket must now cooperate fully to restore its standing within both the ICC and wider Olympic movement.
Olympic Inclusion Secured
As hosts for cricket's return to the Olympics in LA 2028, the United States remains part of the six-team men's and women's competition, a status confirmed by ICC amid the suspension. The decision aims to protect long-term development of cricket in America, benefiting athletes and fans while safeguarding global reputation.
The ICC emphasized that this suspension is a protective measure rather than a punitive one, designed to ensure cricket's sustainable growth in the United States while maintaining competitive opportunities for national teams during the governance restructuring process.
ICC Suspends USA Cricket Membership - FAQs
Q1: Why did the ICC suspend USA Cricket's membership?
A1: The ICC suspended USA Cricket due to repeated breaches of ICC obligations, including failure to implement a functional governance structure, lack of progress toward National Governing Body status with the US Olympic Committee, and actions that harmed cricket’s reputation globally and in the US.
Q2: When was the suspension of USA Cricket effective?
A2: The suspension was effective immediately as confirmed by the ICC Board on September 23, 2025.
Q3: Will USA national teams be allowed to play in ICC events after the suspension?
A3: Yes, USA's national teams will retain their rights to participate in ICC events, including the ICC Men's T20 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics cricket competition.
Q4: Who will manage USA national cricket teams after the suspension?
A4: The ICC and/or its designated representatives will temporarily oversee the administration and management of USA national teams to ensure support for players and maintain preparations.
Q5: What is the ICC Normalisation Committee?
A5: The Normalisation Committee is a group supported by ICC management tasked with outlining the steps USA Cricket must take to lift the suspension, including governance reforms and operational changes. It will monitor progress and provide consultative support.
Q6: Was USA Cricket warned before the suspension?
A6: Yes, USA Cricket was placed "on notice" at the 2024 ICC Annual General Meeting and given 12 months to comply with membership criteria. Some temporary leniency was given, but non-compliance continued, leading to suspension.
Q7: How does this suspension impact cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Olympics?
A7: The suspension will not affect cricket’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. USA Cricket’s inclusion remains intact, and management oversight by ICC ensures continued athlete development for the Games.
Q8: What were some governance failures cited by ICC?
A8: USA Cricket failed to establish a functional governance structure and did not make adequate progress towards US Olympic Committee recognition, among other breaches outlined in the ICC Constitution.
Q9: How will the ICC support cricket development in the US post-suspension?
A9: The ICC committed to protecting the sporting ecosystem, supporting athletes, and bolstering cricket’s growth and global role in the US during the suspension period.
Q10: Where can one find official statements and updates about the suspension?
A10: Official statements and updates can be found on the ICC website and through major sports news outlets covering international cricket governance.
