'One of the Most Difficult Moments in Our History' – USA Cricket’s official statement after ICC suspension ahead of World Cup 2026
USA Cricket has responded to its ICC suspension, calling it “one of the most difficult moments in our history,” while confirming that national teams will continue participating in international events ahead of World Cup 2026.
Last month, USA Cricket experienced a very serious blow when the ICC suspended them for numerous and continued breaches of membership obligations under the ICC's constitution. USA Cricket calls the suspension one of the most difficult moments in its history, emphasizing the disappointment such an event has caused throughout the expanding cricket community in the United States.
The suspension followed a detailed ICC review of USA Cricket’s operations, along with consultations with multiple stakeholders over the past year. On October 11, USA Cricket broke their silence through an official statement addressing the matter. “The recent suspension of USA Cricket by the International Cricket Council has been one of the most difficult moments in our history. It has caused uncertainty and disappointment for players, members, volunteers, and supporters. Yet this moment must not be mistaken for dysfunction. It is the result of difficult but necessary decisions taken to protect the game, the organisation, and the future of cricket in the United States,” the statement read.
Previously, USA Cricket had been warned during the ICC's 2024 Annual General Meeting for failing to meet membership compliance requirements. The organisation’s inability to conduct free and fair elections ultimately led to the suspension, though the ICC confirmed that USA’s national teams will still be allowed to participate in ICC events, including preparations for cricket’s inclusion in the LA 2028 Olympic Games.
ICC Oversight and Path to Reinstatement
An ICC Normalisation Committee has now been appointed to reduce the requirements for USA Cricket to reacquire membership. This process will require verifiable and specific reforms in governance, operations and management, and reinstatement will be subject to full compliance.
At the same time, the USA’s national teams will continue to operate under the oversight of the ICC, and representatives will oversee their operations to ensure operations continue to run smoothly. Despite the suspension, the event will continue to receive ICC support to ensure participation in international events as reforms are implemented by the event to improve cricket's administration in the United States.
