ICC demands mass resignation from USA Cricket to save LA28 Olympics spot

In a significant development, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has initiated an effort to address the deepening governance issues within USA Cricket (USAC). The development comes after pressure from the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The United States co-hosted the 2024 T20 World Cup and qualified for the 2026 edition. Cricket is also set to return to the Olympics after more than a century, with the sport included in the Los Angeles 2028 Games. However, the ongoing governance crisis in USA Cricket could put participation in jeopardy.

ICC Warns USA Cricket of Possible Suspension Over Governance Issues

The ICC has warned USAC of a possible suspension from international cricket if its directives are not followed. Meanwhile, the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee has tied cricket’s participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics to USAC’s compliance with its governance standards.

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As the host nation, the USA is expected to field both men’s and women’s teams among the six competing for medals. However, USAC has yet to meet the requirements necessary for National Governing Body (NGB) certification under USOPC guidelines.

Having issued a warning in July 2023, the ICC has now escalated its involvement with a detailed roadmap in an email sent to USAC on July 10.

ICC to Address USA Cricket Crisis at July 20 AGM in Singapore

The ICC has sent a detailed roadmap to USA Cricket ahead of its Annual General Meeting on July 20 in Singapore, where the board will address the ongoing governance crisis. According to ESPNcricinfo, six steps are designed to help USAC meet regulatory standards and avoid suspension.

"A stage-wise approach shall be implemented to restore regulatory compliance and functional integrity to USA Cricket, with the ultimate aim of securing National Governing Body (NGB) recognition by the USOPC and eligibility for LA28 Olympic participation," the ICC said in the July 10 email.

"The Committee is committed to helping to restore the integrity and credibility of USA Cricket. The roadmap provides a structured and lawful pathway to achieving NGB status and ensuring that USA Cricket is eligible to participate in LA28 as a fully compliant Olympic sporting body."

ICC’s Roadmap to Overhaul USA Cricket Starts with Ousting Independent Directors

The ICC's roadmap to resolve USA Cricket’s governance issues begins with the removal of its current independent directors, who will be replaced by three new nominees approved in coordination with the USOPC.

All outgoing directors will then be subject to a two-year cooling-off period before becoming eligible for any board positions again. At least one of them must be a woman, as mandated by USOPC guidelines. Once the new directors are appointed, the current USAC Board will step down.

Following this transition, USAC can apply for NGB status with the USOPC. The USAC constitution will undergo revisions under the guidance of ICC stakeholders and the new independent directors.

"This shall be subject to review and any longer period of ineligibility that may be required under the revised USA Cricket Constitution, ICC regulations, or USOPC governance requirements," the ICC email said.

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