Jonathan Atkieson appointed as CEO of USA Cricket to avoid disqualification as an ICC Associate Nation

United States of America Cricket (USAC) has appointed Jonathan Atkieson as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on Saturday, July 27. United States of America Cricket made this move to fulfill one of the two requirements set by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to maintain its status as an Associate nation.

The International Cricket Council issued a notice to USA Cricket earlier this month for breaching two norms. The ICC highlighted that USA Cricket did not have a CEO. The second requirement was that USA Cricket didn't follow governance norms set by the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC).

All sports governing bodies must earn the National Governing Body (NGB) designation to be included in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Last year, the International Olympic Committee approved cricket's inclusion in the Los Angeles Games during its 141st Session and Executive Board meeting in Mumbai.

Honored To Join The Team At USA Cricket - Johnathan Atkeison

USA Cricket announced that Johnathan Atkeison will become its new CEO. This appointment meets a crucial requirement set by the ICC and also shows USA Cricket's dedication to promoting the sport in the country.

Atkeison expressed his excitement about joining the USA Cricket team. He highlighted the national team's success in the recent T20 World Cup and the Major League Cricket's (MLC) growth. He said that he aims to build a world-class organization to firmly establish cricket in the American sporting landscape.

"I'm honored to join the team at USA Cricket. It's an incredible time for the sport here in the United States with the historic performance of the men's national team in the recent T20 World Cup, the completion of the second season of Major League Cricket, and the first opportunity to showcase cricket in the Olympics here on home soil during the LA28 games," Atkeison said in a media release.

"Our goal is to build a world-class organization to capitalize on that momentum, and firmly establish cricket's position in the American sporting landscape. The passion the cricket community has for the sport is amazing, and the enthusiasm is infectious. I can't wait to get started."

Johnathan Atkeison has a wealth of experience with over 15 years in national governing body roles. Atkeison served as Chief Operating Officer of USA Rugby, leading a successful financial restructuring in 2020. He played a key role in securing the 2031 and 2033 Rugby World Cups for the United States.

Before its AGM, the ICC sent a note to all members titled "Associate Member Membership Update." This was the second notice issued to USAC this year and gave 12 months for rectifications. The ICC board can suspend or expel the member for continued non-compliance.

"The board agreed that a normalisation committee comprising of board and management representatives will be set up to oversee and monitor USA Cricket's compliance roadmap and the ICC board will reserve its right to suspend or expel the member for continued non-compliance," the ICC had said in a statement after the AGM earlier this week.

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