The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended USA Cricket’s membership with immediate effect, citing repeated breaches of its obligations under the ICC Constitution, the global governing body announced on Tuesday.
The ICC Board pointed to failures in establishing a functional governance structure, slow progress toward recognition by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and actions that have harmed the sport’s reputation both in the U.S. and internationally.
Despite the suspension, U.S. national teams will retain the right to participate in ICC events and continue preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Management and administration of the teams will be temporarily overseen by the ICC or its representatives to ensure continuity for players and high-performance programs.
An ICC Normalisation Committee, in coordination with ICC management, will outline the steps required to lift the suspension and monitor progress, focusing on “demonstrable and specific” improvements in governance, operations, and the organization’s standing within the cricket community.
USA Cricket has not yet responded to requests for comment.
The organization had been placed “on notice” at the 2024 ICC Annual General Meeting, with 12 months given to address non-compliance issues. While suspension was considered at the 2025 AGM, the ICC initially allowed USA Cricket to remain on notice in July following commitments and representations from the body.
In its written notice, the ICC warned USA Cricket against jeopardizing its Olympic inclusion or taking actions that could bring the sport or the ICC into disrepute.
Cricket is set to return to the Olympic stage in Los Angeles after more than a century, having previously appeared only at the 1900 Olympics. The competition will feature a six-team Twenty20 format for both men and women, the shortest international version of the game.
