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.

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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.

The current condition of the United States of America Cricket (USAC) seems to have caught up with the fire called turmoil, following a clash with American Cricket Enterprises, the parent organization responsible for running and operating Major League Cricket (MLC), a premier T20 league in the region. The MLC organizers now seek legal clarification over allegations of improper contract terminations by the national cricketing board.

The USAC is yet to officially respond on the matter, and it seems that the board is up for a court hearing on the issue. It must be noted that ACE's stance appears to assert dominance and assume power over that of USAC to run one of the most successful T20 leagues in the Americas. Salaries and support to national players and staff have reportedly been pending on USAC's part, following which ACE has stepped in to better the situation.

"USAC's handling of the ACE agreement has been chaotic and reckless. It is emblematic of USAC's bad faith. A small group of USAC directors have chosen to prioritize politics rather than preparing teams that can build on their recent successes. These actions have jeopardized ACE's significant investments into U.S. cricket over the last six years, as well as the continued success of cricket in the United States. USAC's wrongful conduct cannot go unanswered, so today, ACE filed legal proceedings against USAC regarding its improper termination of the ACE agreement," the MLC parent said in an official statement on September 17.

Players Express Concern Over Uncertainty

"We have commenced legal proceedings against USAC to prevent the irreparable harm caused by its wrongful termination of the ACE agreement and to protect the thriving cricket community that ACE has cultivated in America," ACE chief executive officer Johnny Grave was quoted as saying.

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Meanwhile, the players, who are not in control of the administrative disputes, have expressed disappointment over the lack of preparation for series and tournaments due to uncertainties over payments and hosting camps for the national squad. Star American all-rounder Corey Anderson, among the most high-profile cricketers, voiced concerns over the challenges faced by him and other teammates. "Is that all still taking place or not? These camps have to take place for the players to get ready for those things. All of those things are very much in a big question mark at the moment, which again just creates more uncertainty around the players," Anderson said recently.

The USA team, which has existed since the early days of cricket, currently does not have anything lined up in international cricket. However, they have been confirmed as one of the 20 participants at the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, set to be held in the Indian subcontinent in 2026. The Monank Patel-led side qualified after a dream debut at the 2024 edition, where they beat 2009 champions Pakistan to qualify for the Super 8s.

USA Cricket has cut ties with its strategic partner, American Cricket Enterprises (ACE). ACE is also the company behind Major League Cricket (MLC). In June 2019, national governing body has signed a 50-year agreement with ACE to and permitted the enterprise to conduct top-tier T20 league in the United States. Developing cricket infrastructure in a country and commercializing the national teams was also part of the deal.

A three-hour board meeting and as his held by USA cricket on August 21 before sending the notification of severing ties. It is also worth noting that USA cricket is under an ICC suspension notice since July 2024. The termination of agreement with ACE was carried out by Chairman Venu Pisike and Board Member David Haubert and was seconded by Srini Salver, Anj Balusu, and Pintoo Shah. The move comes due to growing differences at the end of Pisike and Salver with respect to ACE.

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Pisike’s close aid from the Atlanta Cricket League was elected unopposed after other candidates were disqualified on technical grounds. A similar sort of events unfolded at Salver’s end. Pisike also supported Haubert and Shah’s appointment as independent directors. The dispute arose majorly around management and finances of the US National Team. USA Cricket has showed faith in avoiding any mishaps to continuation of Major League Cricket.

Cricket has taken a huge step towards growing its global appeal by earning a ticket to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. However, the issue is around the participation of the number of sides. Only six teams will be allowed to make it into the final T20 matches to compete for the Gold, which indicates that the competition will be fierce.

The hosts, the United States of America, as the reports have revealed, have already qualified for the main event of the competition. Apart from them, five more nations will be trying hard to get their names in the tournament. The International Cricket Council, after two days of the Annual General Meeting (AGM), is set to use the regional rankings to decide which teams will go ahead.

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This means only the top-ranked teams of Asia, Oceania, Europe, and Africa will automatically qualify for the tournament. The final place for that will be decided by a qualifier. It was a concern, a few days ago, to find a suitable window for the games in the packed calendar, alongside a few logistical issues. But at the moment, it seems like the ICC is happy with the qualifying event.

Report reveals USA’s future of qualification for the LA2028 Olympics

It has also given an update on the West Indies. The problem for the Caribbean side is which country from them will represent the cricket game. But it has been disclosed, by the reports, that they are likely to hold their individual tournament to determine which country will play the qualifier from them.

On the other hand, the T20 World Cup will decide the women’s Olympics, and there is uncertainty about the USA’s selection. It’s the game’s return to the Olympics after over a century, and it will take place at the Fairgrounds stadium in the city of Pomona, about 50 km from Los Angeles, starting from July 12.

A few days ago, it was reported that the USA cricket team could face suspension. But the latest reports have revealed that the world body is set to give them a window of three months to clear the governance clearance. The board is under increased scrutiny ahead of the Olympics.

While the United States cricket team has recently impressed the cricket world, especially in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 as the co-hosts with West Indies, their cricket board is in deep trouble, as the board is in danger of a suspension from the International Cricket Council (ICC). Here, we are going through the whole story briefly.  

In July 2024, the ICC sent a notice to the United States Cricket (USAC) after citing the board's lack of a "fit for purpose" governance and administrative structure. To oversee compliance and reforms of the USAC, the ICC established a normalisation committee during that notice. This governance notice has a 12-month period that will end this July, while there is very little progress in the USAC. 

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United States Cricket leadership has big issue

According to the latest TOI report source, if the USAC leadership doesn't change significantly before the upcoming ICC Annual Conference this July, the ICC is likely to suspend the USAC. Surely, it will be a terrible story for the USA cricket teams, which have just started to make some impact in world cricket, that can inspire the cricket world.  

The TOI report claimed that an ICC official stated that the situation in the USAC is unstable due to dysfunction and internal disputes. Talking about the present ICC situation, the official further added, “The ICC’s position is clear: effective governance is non-negotiable, especially ahead of cricket’s return to the Olympics at LA 2028."

Will we see some resignations from USAC?

This June, an ICC delegation visited Los Angeles for meetings with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). In their meeting with the USAC members, the ICC representative reportedly requested the board members to step down voluntarily. While some of the members are reportedly ready to resign, others haven't shown their supportive natures for the solution yet. 

Meanwhile, the TOI report has also learnt that the ICC officials' recent meetings in Los Angeles have been pushed into informal categories rather than any official talks. 

According to the TOI report, several resignations are expected from the USAC in the next few weeks to save the board from any tough sanctions from the ICC. 

India has the world's largest population. In addition, the country is also home to some of the craziest cricket enthusiasts on the planet. Over several generations, many would migrate overseas and settle in foreign countries in search of a better life.

While a few were voluntarily moved out of India by the European powers to work as indentured laborers in their respective colonies around the globe. From the exotic paradise of the Caribbean and North America to remote regions of Oceania, the influence of Indian origin people is omnipresent in every culture and pocket of the world.  

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Irrespective of the circumstances that led to their departure from India, many develop a craze towards the game in their newly adopted home over a period of time while staying rooted to their traditions. In the United States, that notion holds true. Over the years, many Indian origin folks have made their way to the States with an aim to fulfill their cricketing ambitions. Many of them can now be seen in action in the ongoing Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 edition. 

Below is a detailed list of Indian-origin cricketers currently participating in MLC 2025, along with their current stats from the tournament:

List of Indian origin players in MLC 2025

The Indian-origin players are certainly making waves in one of the most popular franchise leagues in North America. Through their performances, these players exemplify the growing influence of Indian-origin cricketers in Major League Cricket, contributing significantly to the league's development and success.

The USA amazed audiences on Tuesday by defending only 122 runs against Oman in an ODI, thus setting a new low for the smallest number of runs to be defended in a full-length men's ODI. They won by 57 runs in a match that was completely dominated by the spin-bowling.

Nosthush Kenjige stole the show with the ball, taking 5 wickets for just 11 runs in 7.3 overs, thus blowing Oman away. Oman cracked under the pressure and got dismissed for a measly total of just 65 runs which is their lowest total in the history of men’s international cricket.

Over 4800+ ODI cricket matches, Lowest successfully defended ODI score. 122 made by USA 🇺🇸 against Oman 🇴🇲 (85 allOUT) today.

Previous one, 1985/03/22 India 🇮🇳 126 allout against Pakistan 🇵🇰. Won by 38 runs.

🏏🏆️#omavusa pic.twitter.com/uCyG5EPLjq

— Ishara (@Ishara23032) February 18, 2025

Milind Kumar was also instrumental in the match with his off-spin, he picked up 2 wickets for 17 runs, one of which was the key dismissal of Oman’s captain, Jatinder Singh, who managed only 7 runs. Yasir Mohammed added 2 wickets for 10 runs, while Harmeet Singh chipped in with 1 for 25. In the end, Kenjige finished the game in style by taking the wicket of No. 11 Siddharth Bukkapatnam, who was bowled for a duck and thereby, the USA made history by winning the match.

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History books rewritten in Al-Amerat!

USA claim an ODI record in a stunning League 2 defence 👇 #OMAvUSAhttps://t.co/BJNF6rWEKG

— ICC (@ICC) February 18, 2025

The pitch conditions massively tilted the advantage in favor of spinners, and not a single over of pace was bowled for the entire duration of the match. Oman went with a five-spinner attack, but the USA responded with much restraint as their own slow bowlers—Milind Kumar, Harmeet Singh, Yasir Mohammed, and Kenjige.

Oman had aimed to replicate their recent success with spin against Namibia, and their bowlers started strong, reducing the USA to 5 wickets down within 13 overs. Captain Monank Patel was dismissed for a duck, while Aaron Jones and Sanjay Krishnamurthi each scored 16 runs.

But Milind Kumar was strong in a gritty, unbeaten 47 that saw six boundaries hit and guaranteed the USA breach the 100-run barrier. It was sufficient because Oman's batting order capitulated under a never-ending onslaught of spin bowling.

Ultimately, it was a record victory for the USA that confirmed even the lowest scores could be defended when using the proper tactics and techniques.

Aaron Jones, a talented batter for the USA cricket team, delivered a stunning performance in the T20 World Cup 2024 match against Canada. His unbeaten 94 led the USA to a memorable victory and showcased his potential to play at the highest level. Jones hopes this innings, one of the best debuts in T20 World Cup history, will open the eyes of cricket enthusiasts worldwide to his capabilities.

Aaron Jones’ Remarkable Knock

In a high-pressure match, Aaron Jones walked in at a precarious 42 for 2 in the seventh over, chasing a formidable target of 195. His response was spectacular, crafting an unbeaten 94 that steered his team to victory with seven wickets and 14 balls to spare. This inning, marked by precision, power, and poise, highlighted Jones’ skill and determination, proving his mettle on the world stage.

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Reactions and Statements

Post-match, Jones expressed his hope that his performance would garner the recognition he deserves. “Sometimes, as a cricketer, you could go under the radar if you have a few low scores,” he said. “I always back myself and know I can perform at every level. [I am] happy that I came out on top and won the game for USA. I hope it opens the eyes of some people worldwide to the fact that I am good enough to play T20 cricket.”

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite his talents, Jones has faced his share of challenges. A few low scores had left him overlooked, and his release from the Major League Cricket earlier this year added to his hurdles. Not being selected by any team in the MLC draft was a setback, but Jones viewed it as a stepping stone in his journey.

“I believe in myself, I work hard and I just use [criticism] as motivation. I know that I’m good enough to play at the highest level, and whenever given the opportunity, I’ll do my best for sure. When I went out to bat tonight, I just saw it as another game to fight for me and bring my team as close as possible to the line, and if we get as close as possible to the line and over the line, it’s great for the team.”

“When I wasn’t selected in the Major League, I just took it as a stepping stone in the journey,” he said. “I would have loved to get drafted, so it goes sometimes. Hopefully tonight’s innings will probably open the eyes of those who don’t know me or USA cricket. We have great players here and that we have a lot of talent here and are willing to play at the highest level for sure.”

Jones’ Partnership with Andries Gous

A key aspect of Jones’ innings was his 131-run partnership with Andries Gous. This partnership, forged under pressure, turned the tide in favour of the USA. Gous’ 46-ball 65 complemented Jones’ innings perfectly, dismantling the Canadian bowling attack and setting the stage for a famous win.

“When I went out to bat, I told Gous, ‘right now we are in a spot of bother’,” Jones said. “If we want to win the game, we got to be aggressive, we got to be positive. Either we go down, die hard and we get bowled out for whatever score, or we try to get the score. We want to be fearless, we want to be positive, we want to play smart cricket. In being fearless, we want to have good shot selection as well. If you know you don’t sweep, don’t sweep. If you know you don’t use your feet, don’t use your feet, but be aggressive regardless.”

Is this his best knock for USA?

“It’s up there, to be honest,” Jones said. “Probably the best knock for me as a player for USA, or maybe it can come second to the hundred I scored when we gained ODI status. This one is special because it is a World Cup and we know Canada are our rivals, we are playing the first game of the World Cup and everybody’s watching us.”

USA next play Pakistan at the same venue on Thursday, and Jones said that they will continue to play fearless cricket against them as well as against India in ten days’ time.

“We just want to keep winning as much as possible, of course we can’t win every single game for the rest of our lives,” he said. “I don’t think our plan [for the rest of the tournament] is going to change much. We want to play fearless cricket, we want to play hard cricket, we want to play smart cricket. We are going into the Pakistan game with the same mindset. We want to play fearless cricket, regardless of who we play against.”