(Source X)
The fate of USA Cricket hangs in the balance as the International Cricket Council (ICC) prepares for its Annual Conference, where the organization may face a critical decision. According to a communication circulated among ICC members, USA Cricket is currently deemed “non-compliant with the ICC Membership Criteria.” Failure to demonstrate compliance could lead to severe repercussions, potentially including suspension of their membership.
In a detailed five-page document obtained by CricketNext, the ICC has underscored that USA Cricket has yet to fulfill essential governance reforms recommended by the USA Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). These reforms are crucial for attaining National Governing Body certification, a prerequisite for inclusion in the LA 2028 Games program as mandated by the USOPC NGB Membership Criteria.
Additionally, the ICC has highlighted concerns regarding USA Cricket’s administrative structure, noting the absence of a CEO and the need for a more effective operational framework.
Senior officials from USA Cricket have responded comprehensively to these issues and are expected to present their case during discussions at the upcoming conference in Sri Lanka.
“It’s a conspiracy by ICC management to take us down and give operational control to the staff part of the T20 World Cup USA Inc, who ran the show during the World Cup,” says a USA Cricket official.
USA Cricket has been without a CEO since Dr. Noor Murad’s departure, but sources indicate that the organization is close to finalizing an announcement regarding their new leader.
Regarding their application with the USA Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), USA Cricket has addressed this matter in their response to the ICC. They have conveyed that the process is more complex and nuanced than initially perceived.
“We have told the ICC that USOPC application is a two-year process but the management is projecting that we are not compliant,” adds the source.
Excerpts from the ICC note:
“The USOPC has written to the USAC expressing serious concerns about the ongoing governance of USAC. Whilst this does not put USAC in breach of ICC Membership Criteria, it reflects broader concerns regarding USAC’s governance. However, USOPC have stated if USAC do not achieve NGB certification, they will be required to commence a process to recognise an alternate NGB for cricket, which could put USAC in breach of ICC Membership Criteria to be “recognized by the ICC (at its absolute discretion) as the primary governing body responsible for the administration, management and development of cricket (men’s and women’s) in its country”.
“USAC still does not have a fit-for purpose administrative structure. USAC do not currently have a CEO, having terminated the employment of their most recent one after only a few months in the role. A recruitment process for a replacement CEO has commenced. In April, the two remaining USAC Development staff (the Development Manager and Women’s Manager) resigned. A process to replace these staff has not yet commenced. Currently, replacement staff are temporary and part-time contractors”
The note also brings up Cricket Chile’s non-compliance, but it is USA Cricket that will be under intense scrutiny during the upcoming four-day session in Sri Lanka. It appears that ICC management has already formed its opinion, yet senior officials of USA Cricket are actively seeking support from other member nations.
Sources suggest that numerous USA Cricket representatives detailed their circumstances to influential ICC members during the T20 World Cup held in the United States. Despite being co-hosts, they had a minimal role in the event as ICC personnel handled most responsibilities. Issues such as budget overruns during the World Cup are expected to be extensively deliberated upon.
Schedule in Sri Lanka:
July 19: Associate Members meeting
July 20: Meeting of the Chief Executives Committee (CEC)
July 21: Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee meeting + informal Board meeting
July 22: ICC and IBC Board meetings + Annual General Meeting
