In a major setback to the growth of cricket in North America, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended USA Cricket’s membership following repeated breaches of its obligations as a member board. The decision, announced on September 23, 2025, comes after months of warnings and failed compliance efforts, and marks a critical moment for the sport’s future in the United States.
The ICC cited serious governance failures, financial mismanagement, and non-compliance with membership criteria as the primary reasons for the suspension. USA Cricket, which was granted full membership in 2019, has been under scrutiny for delayed audits, lack of transparency in board operations, and failure to meet development targets.
ICC Suspension of USA Cricket – Key Grounds
| Breach Type | ICC Findings Summary | Impact on USA Cricket Operations |
|---|---|---|
| Governance Failure | Board elections delayed, internal disputes | Leadership vacuum, no strategic direction |
| Financial Irregularities | Audit reports not submitted, missing funds | Funding freeze, loss of ICC grants |
| Development Obligations | Grassroots programs stalled | Halted youth and women’s initiatives |
| Compliance Violations | Ignored ICC warnings and deadlines | Suspension of international hosting rights |
The ICC Board, chaired by Greg Barclay, voted unanimously to suspend USA Cricket’s membership until further notice. The suspension means USA Cricket will no longer receive ICC funding, cannot participate in ICC governance matters, and will be barred from hosting ICC-sanctioned events.
However, the ICC clarified that the suspension does not affect individual players’ eligibility to participate in global tournaments, provided they meet selection and residency criteria. The USA men’s and women’s teams will continue to compete in ICC pathway events under a neutral administrative framework.
USA Cricket – Timeline of Governance Crisis
| Year | Event / Issue | ICC Response / Action |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Board elections delayed | ICC issues warning |
| 2022 | Financial audit skipped | ICC demands compliance |
| 2023 | Internal board disputes escalate | ICC sends independent observers |
| 2024 | Development targets missed | ICC withholds partial funding |
| 2025 | No corrective action taken | ICC suspends membership |
USA Cricket CEO Vinay Bhimani resigned earlier this year amid allegations of fund misappropriation and conflict of interest. The board has since failed to appoint a permanent replacement, further deepening the leadership crisis. Several board members have accused each other of violating the constitution, and attempts at mediation have failed.
The ICC has appointed a temporary oversight committee to manage USA Cricket’s affairs and ensure continuity of player development and tournament participation. The committee will work with local stakeholders to restore governance standards and prepare a roadmap for reinstatement.
ICC Oversight Committee – Mandate and Composition
| Role / Function | Committee Responsibility | Timeline for Action |
|---|---|---|
| Governance Restoration | Conduct fresh elections, revise constitution | Within 90 days |
| Financial Audit | Review past transactions, publish reports | Within 60 days |
| Stakeholder Engagement | Consult clubs, leagues, and players | Ongoing |
| Reinstatement Roadmap | Submit compliance plan to ICC | By December 2025 |
The suspension has triggered concern among players, coaches, and fans who have invested in the sport’s growth in the US. The country was seen as a key market for cricket’s global expansion, especially with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 scheduled to be co-hosted by the US and West Indies.
While the ICC has not yet announced changes to the tournament hosting plan, sources indicate that contingency measures are being considered. Florida, Texas, and California were among the shortlisted venues, but infrastructure readiness and administrative support are now under review.
Impact on ICC T20 World Cup 2026 – USA Hosting Status
| Venue / City | Planned Role in Tournament | Current Status Post Suspension |
|---|---|---|
| Lauderhill, Florida | Group stage matches | Under review |
| Grand Prairie, Texas | Super 8 matches | Infrastructure audit pending |
| Morrisville, NC | Practice and warm-up facilities | ICC to decide by November |
| San Jose, California | Promotional events, fan zones | Likely to be scaled down |
Cricket West Indies (CWI), the co-hosting partner, has expressed concern over the developments but assured the ICC of its commitment to deliver a successful tournament. CWI President Kishore Shallow said, “We are monitoring the situation closely and will support the ICC in any decision that ensures the integrity of the event.”
Social media platforms have seen a surge in reactions from the global cricket community, with hashtags like #USACricketSuspended, #ICCDecision, and #CricketInAmerica trending across Twitter and Reddit. Many fans have called for urgent reforms and greater accountability in associate member boards.
Public Sentiment – ICC Suspension of USA Cricket
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.2M mentions | 78% critical | #USACricketSuspended #ICCDecision |
| 980K interactions | 74% concerned | #CricketInAmerica #GovernanceCrisis | |
| YouTube | 860K views | 70% mixed | #ICCUpdate #USAcricketNews |
| 720K threads | 82% analytical | #CricketReform #ICCCompliance |
Experts believe the ICC’s decision sends a strong message to other associate members about the importance of governance and transparency. Former ICC CEO David Richardson said, “This is a wake-up call. Cricket’s expansion must be built on solid foundations, not political infighting.”
As USA Cricket faces its toughest challenge yet, the road to reinstatement will depend on swift reforms, stakeholder unity, and ICC’s continued oversight. For a country with immense potential and a growing fan base, the suspension is a setback—but also an opportunity to rebuild stronger.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available ICC statements, governance reports, and expert commentary. It does not constitute legal or investment advice. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. The content is intended for editorial and informational purposes only.
