In what USA Cricket (USAC) has called “one of the most difficult moments in our history,” the International Cricket Council (ICC) suspended the board’s membership in September 2025. The move sent shockwaves through American cricket, coming just months after the sport’s historic inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
While the suspension has stunned players and fans alike, it is also a moment of reckoning — the culmination of years of governance challenges, financial troubles, and disputes over control of the game’s future in the United States.
Roots of the Crisis
The ICC’s decision did not arise overnight. USA Cricket had long been on notice for failing to meet its membership obligations, especially around transparent governance and financial management. Despite multiple warnings, internal conflicts and structural disorganization persisted.
A major flashpoint was the strained relationship between USAC and its commercial partner, American Cricket Enterprises (ACE), which runs Major League Cricket. Their partnership, once hailed as the key to professionalizing the sport in the U.S., became a source of legal and operational disputes. USAC alleged that ACE’s influence extended beyond its commercial mandate, while ACE argued that it had kept the sport financially afloat.
These internal battles damaged the board’s credibility with the ICC, especially as cricket gears up for its Olympic return. The ICC cited “reputational harm” and “governance failures” as primary reasons for suspension, saying they could not ignore such issues on the eve of a global expansion effort.
Financial Strain and Bankruptcy
Adding to the crisis, USA Cricket filed for bankruptcy just days after the ICC suspension. The board framed the decision as a strategic move to “restructure and stabilize” finances. However, it also exposed the fragile foundation on which U.S. cricket had been operating.
The termination of the ACE partnership left the board without a major funding source, creating uncertainty about the future of domestic tournaments, youth programs, and national team operations. For a governing body already struggling to balance its books, this financial strain deepened the ICC’s concerns about sustainability.
Consequences of the Suspension
The immediate consequence of the ICC’s move is that USA Cricket loses its voting rights, funding, and the ability to sanction official international matches independently. However, the ICC has taken a balanced approach — allowing American players to continue competing in global events while establishing a “Normalisation Committee” to oversee governance reforms.
