On Tuesday (September 23), the ICC suspended the membership of USA Cricket. Why did this happen, and what does it mean for the Olympics?
Why did the ICC suspend USA Cricket?
A media release from the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday announced “the suspension of ICC membership status of USA Cricket, with immediate effect.”
Article 2.4 of the ICC's Constitution outlines the obligations of member nations. The USAC used to be an Associate member nation of the ICC, with ODI status. In all, 98 of the 110 current ICC members are Associates, and nine apart from the USA have ODI status. The rest have only T20I status. Test status is reserved for Full Member nations alone.
Twelve points are listed among the ICC's member obligations, and the ICC's release outlined the reasons for USA's suspension as follows:
- The failure to implement a functional governance structure
- Lack of progress toward achieving National Governing Body status with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC)
- Significant actions that have caused reputational damage to cricket in the United States and around the world
It was further announced that the governance of USA Cricket would be taken over by the ICC: “The management and administration of USA national teams will temporarily be overseen by the ICC and/or its designated representatives to ensure continued support for the players and maintain momentum towards Olympic inclusion.
“This approach reflects the ICC’s firm commitment to upholding the best interests of cricketers in the USA and the sustenance of a High-performance & Player development program which will seek to elevate the stature and capabilities of players representing USA.”
Does the suspension come as a surprise?
This development is not entirely unforeseen. In July 2024, soon after the USA hosted the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup, reports emerged that the country's cricket board was set to be put “on notice”. Forbes reported at the time that USA Cricket had been directed to complete “governance reform processes recommended by the USA Olympic and Paralympic Committee”.
In July 2025, a year afterwards, the ICC gave USA Cricket a final warning to get their act together, as it were: “USA Cricket is required to undertake comprehensive governance reforms, including but not limited to completing free and fair elections within a three-month period.”
Once a cricket board is put on notice, suspension of their membership is seldom far away, especially if they delay ICC directives in that time.
What does ICC's suspension of USA Cricket mean for the Olympics?
The move comes as a blow to cricket as a whole, with a focus on the upcoming Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028. Cricket's place at the games has been confirmed for the first time in over a century. This inclusion is anticipated to improve global visibility of the sport, and its classification as an Olympic sport may lead to increased government funding in many countries.
“The ICC Board has decided that USA’s national teams will retain their right to participate in ICC events, including preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games (LA28),” added the ICC's release, meaning the USA's participation in the Olympics is not in imminent danger.
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The main sticking point regarding the Olympics is the fact that USA Cricket has not yet achieved National Governing Body (NGB) status with the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). If this is not done, the USOPC will have to explore alternate options to recognise an NGB. Naturally, this status going to any organisation other than the national cricket board would be undesirable.
As mentioned in the ICC release (“... and maintain momentum towards Olympic inclusion”), their first task will likely be to ensure NGB status for USA Cricket. Cricket at the Olympics as such is not in danger for now, but one of two things need to happen – USA Cricket receives NGB status, or a suitable alternative is found. The situation could worsen if neither one takes place.
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