Amid USA ricket trouble, ICC steps in to fund USA national team players before T20 World Cup 2026

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has stepped in to ensure that United States cricketers are not affected by the ongoing administrative crisis at USA Cricket. The ICC confirmed it is working closely with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee to protect player welfare and ensure uninterrupted preparation for upcoming international commitments.

The ICC suspended USA Cricket in September for serious breaches of membership criteria. The situation deteriorated further when the governing body filed for bankruptcy after terminating its long-term commercial partnership with American Cricket Enterprises. As a result, USA Cricket has been unable to operate normally, prompting the ICC to take responsibility for safeguarding the national setup.

The ICC has committed to supporting the USA High Performance Programme throughout the suspension period, including providing financial assistance and operational oversight. The global body has indicated it is prepared to directly manage the programme to ensure contracted players continue to receive payments and structured support. Despite the suspension, U.S. national teams have retained their right to compete in ICC events and will continue preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

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Why the ICC’s Intervention Was Necessary

“[The ICC] is ready to provide funding for, and, if need be, run all aspects of the USA High Performance Programme during USAC's suspension, including honouring USA Cricket's obligations to pay the players selected and contracted to play for the USA teams,” the global body said in a statement.

The intervention comes at a crucial time, with USA teams scheduled to feature in multiple global events. These include the Under-19 World Cup in Zimbabwe from January, the Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in February and March, and cricket’s return to the Olympic Games at Los Angeles 2028. The ICC has made it clear it will not allow governance issues to compromise the USA’s participation or competitiveness at international tournaments.

USA Cricket, which has filed for bankruptcy, had earlier rejected the ICC’s offer to provide funding through a loan that required the payment of player and staff salaries. The U.S. men’s team is also scheduled to take part in next year’s T20 World Cup, starting in February.