ICC Ensures Support for USA Cricket Amid Governance Crisis

ICC's Commitment to USA National Team Players

Dubai [UAE], December 22: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reaffirmed its dedication to protecting the interests of players from the USA National team. This commitment comes as they prepare for significant 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, as stated in a release from the ICC.

USA Cricket has voluntarily entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, which it describes as a necessary 'structural reorganization.' This move follows the ICC Board's decision on September 23 to suspend USA Cricket due to serious violations of the ICC Membership Criteria.

In its September ruling, the ICC stressed that the current instability within USA Cricket should not negatively impact the national team players, who continue to demonstrate professionalism and dedication to the sport.

To support this initiative, the ICC has confirmed its willingness to provide funding and manage all aspects of the USA High Performance Programme during the suspension of USA Cricket. This includes fulfilling obligations to pay players who are selected and contracted to represent the USA teams.

The ICC is determined that the dysfunction within USA Cricket will not hinder the USA's participation and competitiveness in international events, nor will it affect the ICC's efforts to reintegrate cricket into the Olympics, starting with the LA 2028 Games.

The ICC had 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.

Additionally, the ICC is collaborating with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) to establish a strong high-performance framework leading up to LA28.

This partnership aims to create a comprehensive training and preparation program for both the men’s and women’s national teams, along with improved coaching and sports science support, and a more robust competition pathway to ensure players are well-prepared for global challenges.

The ICC is taking proactive measures to ensure continuity and stability for all national team players during USA Cricket's suspension. With cricket making its historic return to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles, the ICC has reiterated that the operational readiness and long-term development of the USA teams are of utmost importance.

An ICC representative stated, 'Our primary responsibility is to the players representing the United States on the global stage. The bankruptcy proceedings initiated by USA Cricket will not disrupt their preparation for ICC events or the LA28 Olympic Games,' as noted on the ICC's official website.

'The ICC is prepared to manage and fund the High-Performance Programme, ensuring that all national team players receive the necessary support,' he added.

'We are committed to working closely with the USOPC to establish a stable and effective high-performance pathway for LA28. The future of USA's players and the growth of the sport in this crucial market remain a top priority for the ICC,' he emphasized.

The ICC will continue to operate through its Normalisation Committee to restore credible governance in the USA and stabilize cricket administration in the country. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

Alongside its commitment to National Team Programs, the ICC has also updated the process for sanctioning domestic cricket events in the USA during USA Cricket's suspension.

As a result of USA Cricket's suspension by the ICC, it lost its rights to sanction domestic cricket events, meaning it can no longer determine whether matches and events held in the USA should be classified as approved or disapproved cricket.

Consequently, the ICC has agreed to assume this responsibility during USA Cricket's suspension, as it has done in previous instances involving suspended members.