The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that it has suspended the membership of USA Cricket with immediate effect. According to the ICC, the suspension stemmed from “repeated and continued breaches” of the obligations that come with being an ICC member. Interestingly, the ICC also made clear that the USA’s national teams would still be eligible to participate in the T20 World Cup starting in February in India and Sri Lanka and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

“The decision, taken by the ICC Board during its meeting earlier, was based on USA Cricket’s repeated and continued breaches of its obligations as a ICC Member under the ICC’s Constitution,” the ICC said.

“These include, but are not limited to, the failure to implement a functional governance structure, lack of progress toward achieving National Governing Body status with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), and significant actions that have caused reputational damage to cricket in the United States and around the world," it said.

The ICC stressed that the move, while severe, was intended to protect the long‑term interests of the game and insisted that it sought to minimise harm to players and the broader cricket ecosystem. Meanwhile, the management and administration of the US national teams will temporarily be overseen by the ICC.

“ICC Board has decided that USA’s national teams will retain their right to participate in ICC events, including preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games (LA28),” the ICC said.

“The management and administration of USA national teams will temporarily be overseen by the ICC and/or its designated representatives to ensure continued support for the players and maintain momentum towards Olympic inclusion.” “This approach reflects the ICC’s firm commitment to upholding the best interests of cricketers in the USA and the sustenance of a High-performance and Player development program which will seek to elevate the stature and capabilities of players representing the USA,” it added.