USA Cricket is under intense ICC scrutiny within weeks of co-hosting its first ICC global event. The just-concluded T20 World Cup was held jointly with the West Indies across three venues in the USA and was seen as a pivotal moment for cricket's expansion into North America. This overall success has been eclipsed by concerns raised by the ICC as to whether USAC is adhering to its various obligations as an Associate member.
Reports indicate that the ICC has issued a grave warning to USAC, outlining two prime areas of non-compliance that could see the organization formally cautioned. First on the list is one related to the failure to attain governance standards ordered by the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee. Getting National Governing Body designation for every sport that will be competed for in Los Angeles during the 2028 Olympics is paramount.
Another problem the ICC has pointed out is that of the USAC administrative structure, particularly concerning the failure to confirm a permanent CEO after the dismissal of its previous leader. According to the ICC, the absence of permanent leadership and firm administrative structures is viewed as a serious shortcoming that could jeopardize the possibility of USAC's Associate membership.
In a letter sent prior to its AGM in Colombo, the ICC stated that USAC is currently non-compliant on certain membership criteria in the governance and administrative structures areas. The international governing body for cricket ran deeper concerns in line with those issued by the USOPC, which warned failure to meet the NGB standard could see an alternative NGB for cricket in the USA recognized in complete violation of ICC stipulations.
This is the second warning this year that the ICC has issued over USAC operational deficiencies. In March, similar concerns were aired that led to the ICC handing down a strongly-worded ultimatum for the federation to get its house in order. While USAC claims it has responded by starting a process to recruit a new CEO and change its constitution to adhere to the stipulations of the USOPC, the ICC found these efforts unsatisfactory.
Due to these chronic irregularities, ICC has suspended its regular funding to USACA, only providing limited financial support as an exception to avoid any negative impact on cricket activities in the USA. Further sanctions are looming over their head, with ICC threatening to suspend membership in case USACA fails to show far-reaching improvement in governance and administrative compliance.
On the new warning by ICC, USAC has moved ahead to strengthen its board by appointing Pintoo Shah as an independent director and Treasurer. It also assured ICC that this body is committed to sorting out all the pending matters, including the appointment of a new CEO after ICC AGM.
Despite this, the tensions between the USAC and ICC have far from abated, pointing to the challenges of developing cricket in the USA amidst regulatory scrutiny and demands for compliance from an international governing body.
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