(Source X)
Less than a month following their co-hosting duties at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, USA Cricket (USAC) finds itself embroiled in controversy once again. Reports indicate that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued a warning to the cricket board, cautioning that it may face consequences for failing to comply with its Associate membership obligations.
During the T20 World Cup, which marked a historic moment with the USA hosting 16 matches across three venues alongside the West Indies, USAC had a spotlight on its operations. However, shortly after this significant event, concerns have arisen regarding USAC’s adherence to governance standards specified by the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). These standards are crucial for USAC to attain National Governing Body (NGB) status, a prerequisite for sports included in the upcoming 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
“USA Cricket is currently Non-compliant with ICC Associate Member Membership Criteria 2.2(b)(i) (governance structure) and 2.2 (b)(ii) (administrative and executive structure) and is at risk of being placed ‘On Notice’,” the ICC said in a note addressed to all of its members attending the Annual General Meeting this week.
ICC warns USAC
According to the ICC, the USAC’s governance model has drawn scrutiny from the USOPC. While the USAC has not yet violated any ICC membership criteria, there is a looming risk if it fails to secure NGB certification.
“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,” stated the ICC.
Earlier this year, following the March quarterly meeting, the ICC had cautioned USAC about various issues. At that time, the ICC emphasized that USAC was not making sufficient efforts to align with USOPC compliance requirements.
