USA Cricket has been put on notice by the International Cricket Council for failing to comply with the world body’s membership rules just weeks after co-hosting the T20 World Cup. The ICC stated that USA Cricket and Cricket Chile have 12 months to rectify their current non-compliance with the ICC Membership Criteria. Both members were criticized for not having a detailed governance and administrative structure in place, which is essential for being a part of the ICC. Failure to comply within the given time frame could result in suspension or expulsion from the ICC.
Cricket’s return to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles in the T20 format has put the spotlight on USA Cricket’s administrative issues. The theme of the recent ICC conference in Colombo was “capitalizing on the Olympic opportunity” which highlighted the importance of having a strong governance and administrative system in place. With cricket set to feature in the Olympics, it is crucial for all member countries to meet the required criteria to ensure the smooth functioning of the sport at a global level.
Historically, American cricket has faced challenges with its governance structure, leading to the expulsion of the former governing body, USA Cricket Association, in 2017. Despite hosting top teams in the T20 World Cup co-hosted by the West Indies, the US faced criticisms for issues with the playing venues. The wicket in New York, which was developed in Florida and installed shortly before the tournament, received negative feedback for its uneven bounce and unpredictability, resulting in low-scoring games. These issues highlighted the need for better infrastructure and facilities to support elite cricket in the country.
Following calls from some directors for an investigation into expenses incurred during the T20 World Cup, the ICC announced a review into the delivery of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The review committee will be overseen by three directors, with the aim of addressing any concerns raised and ensuring transparency in the conduct of future tournaments. This move reflects the ICC’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the sport and addressing any issues that may arise during major events.
In line with promoting gender equality in cricket, the ICC confirmed the expansion of the women’s T20 World Cup in 2030 from 12 to 16 teams. This decision aligns with the ICC’s long-term commitment to balancing men’s and women’s games and providing equal opportunities for female cricketers on the global stage. By expanding the women’s T20 World Cup, the ICC aims to further grow the women’s game and showcase the talent and skills of female athletes from around the world. This development signifies a positive step towards achieving gender parity in cricket and enhancing the overall appeal of the sport.
In conclusion, the recent developments involving USA Cricket and the decisions made at the ICC conference in Colombo underscore the importance of having a robust governance and administrative structure in place for the smooth functioning of cricket at a global level. As the sport prepares to return to the Olympics and expand the women’s T20 World Cup, it is essential for all member countries to adhere to the ICC’s membership criteria and uphold the integrity of the game. By addressing issues related to governance, facilities, and transparency, cricket can continue to thrive and reach new heights of success on the international stage.
