ICC Ensures Support for USA Cricket Amid Bankruptcy Challenges
ICC's Commitment to USA National Team
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reaffirmed its dedication to protecting the interests of players on the USA National team. This commitment extends to ensuring they can prepare effectively for upcoming events, including the ICC Men's Under 19 World Cup 2026, the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, despite the ongoing governance and financial turmoil within USA Cricket.
Recently, USA Cricket announced it had voluntarily entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, which it described as a necessary structural reorganization. This announcement followed the ICC Board's decision on September 23 to suspend USA Cricket due to significant violations of ICC Membership Criteria.
Financial Support for Players
In its September ruling, the ICC stressed that the current instability within USA Cricket should not adversely affect the national team players, who continue to demonstrate professionalism and dedication to the sport. The ICC has pledged to provide financial support for the USA High Performance Programme during the suspension of USA Cricket, ensuring that players selected and contracted for the national teams receive their due payments.
The ICC is determined to prevent the dysfunction within USA Cricket from hindering the USA's participation and competitiveness in global events, particularly as cricket prepares for its return to the Olympics in 2028.
Loan Offer and Future Payments
The ICC proposed a loan to USA Cricket as part of the Chapter 11 process, which would cover player and High-Performance staff salaries. However, this offer was declined by USA Cricket. The ICC is now exploring options to make these payments directly on behalf of USA Cricket where feasible.
Collaboration with USOPC for Olympic Preparation
The ICC is collaborating closely with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) to establish a strong high-performance framework leading up to the LA28 Olympics. This partnership includes a comprehensive training and preparation program for both men's and women's national teams, enhanced coaching, sports science support, and a solid competition pathway to ensure players are well-prepared for international competition.
The ICC is committed to maintaining continuity and stability for all national team players during USA Cricket's suspension, emphasizing that the operational readiness and long-term development of the USA teams is a strategic priority.
Ongoing Governance Restoration Efforts
An ICC spokesperson stated, "Our primary responsibility is to the players representing the United States globally. The bankruptcy proceedings initiated by USA Cricket will not hinder their preparation for ICC events or the LA28 Olympic Games."
The ICC is prepared to manage and fund the High-Performance Programme, ensuring that all national team players receive the necessary support. The organization continues to work with the USOPC to create a stable high-performance pathway for LA28, recognizing the importance of the future of USA's players and the growth of the sport in this key market.
The ICC will persist in its efforts through its Normalisation Committee to restore credible governance and stabilize cricket administration in the USA, with further updates to be provided as the situation develops.
Sanctioning Domestic Cricket Events
In addition to supporting National Team Programs, the ICC has updated the process for sanctioning domestic cricket events in the USA during the suspension of USA Cricket.
As a result of the suspension, USA Cricket lost its rights to sanction domestic cricket, meaning it can no longer determine whether matches and events staged in the USA are approved or disapproved under ICC regulations. The ICC has agreed to assume this responsibility during the suspension, as it has done in similar situations with other suspended members.