Why ICC Banned USA Cricket: Suspension Rules, Timeline & Full Details

By: Cricbites | September 25, 2025

There is a shocking news for cricket fans all over the world! The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended USA Cricket from September 23, 2025. While the organisation is set to field a major team in ICC tournaments, it is not conducive to the development of US cricket.

This comes just 2 days after the Los Angeles Olympics, which are set to host the US Cricket Engineer Cricket, are set to be a promising development for the sport. However, the ICC’s response sends a clear message:

‘Standards of governance and transparency, regardless of the country, are non-negotiable.’

In this blog, we will see an expansion of the suspension post. Each day will include the ICC Board’s clear rules and timeline, its impact on domestic cricket and what impact it could have on USA Cricket in the future.

Why Did ICC Ban USA Cricket’s Membership?

Whether they are Associates or not! The ICC requires all member boards to adhere to clear governance, financial and administrative standards. USA Cricket, despite repeated opportunities, failed to meet these standards.

Here are the major reasons for suspension:

Governance lapses

- Failure to hold timely and fair elections.
- Lack of clear organizational structure and transparency in leadership.

Financial irregularities

- Disputes in financial reporting.
- Lack of consistent disclosures to stakeholders and the ICC.

Legal and partnership disputes

- Ongoing conflicts between USA Cricket and its partner ACE has slowed down the cricket operations.

Failure to implement reforms

- USA Cricket was placed “on notice” in 2024, with a strict 12-month window to address these issues.
- Despite extensions, only partial reforms were implemented, forcing ICC to act.

In short, USA Cricket’s inability to run its administration according to ICC’s global standards was the key reason for suspension.

Understanding “On Notice” & Suspension Rules

The ICC follows a step-by-step disciplinary process. Here’s how it played out for USA Cricket:

2024: On Notice Status

- ICC formally warned USA Cricket about governance and financial shortcomings.
- The board was given 12 months to implement reforms.

Mid-2025: Extension Granted

- After minimal progress, ICC extended the review period.
- USA Cricket promised reforms but failed to deliver concrete changes.

September 2025: Suspension Enforced

- ICC finally suspended USA Cricket’s membership.

What Suspension Means

Loss of voting rights: USA Cricket cannot participate in ICC board-level decision-making.
No ICC funding: Development grants and financial support are withheld.
Teams remain eligible: USA’s men’s and women’s teams can still play ICC events.
ICC oversight: The global body can intervene directly in operations if needed.

This decision shows that suspension is not meant to punish players but to hold the administration accountable.

Impact on USA Cricket

The suspension has short-term and long-term implications for different stakeholders.

For Players

Positive: U.S. cricketers can still play in ICC tournaments like the T20 World Cup.
Negative: Reduced domestic structure and uncertainty in contracts could impact careers.

For Fans

Enthusiasm for cricket in America may take a hit, as domestic leagues could struggle with funding.
However, ICC’s clarity ensures that international matches remain accessible for U.S. fans.

For Domestic Cricket & Leagues

The Minor League Cricket (MiLC) and other grassroots projects may face funding delays.
Commercial partnerships could weaken due to instability in governance.

For ICC

The suspension reinforces ICC’s message that no member board is above rules.
It helps maintain global standards and ensures cricket’s credibility worldwide.

What Happens Next?

Suspension is not permanent. USA Cricket has a chance to regain full membership if it meets ICC’s conditions.

Steps Required for Reinstatement

Conduct transparent elections for leadership.
Implement governance reforms to create a stable structure.
Resolve ongoing disputes with ACE and other stakeholders.
Provide clear, audited financial statements.
Demonstrate compliance with ICC’s accountability framework.

If USA Cricket achieves these, reinstatement may occur in late 2026 or early 2027. Failure could lead to prolonged suspension or even termination of membership.

Why This Suspension Matters Globally

The U.S. has long been viewed as a goldmine for cricket expansion. With its population, and corporate sponsorship opportunities, the nation is needed for ICC’s long-term growth.

The 2024 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by USA and West Indies, showcased America’s potential as a cricket hub.
The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with cricket included, adds further commercial importance.

Thus, the suspension carries global impportance. It is a reminder that growth markets must still respect the core principles of governance and integrity.

Timeline of Events Leading to Suspension

2023 – Early concerns raised over USA Cricket’s financial management.
2024 (July) – ICC places USA Cricket “on notice” for 12 months.
2025 (July) – ICC reviews progress; only partial reforms implemented.
2025 (September) – ICC enforces suspension, citing repeated non-compliance.

This timeline shows that suspension was a last resort, not a hasty decision.

Conclusion

We know that the state of cricket depends on strong rules, transparent financial activities and leadership. Now with the USA’s suspension, the board faces the challenge of establishing stability before it can regain full membership.

The next two years will be crucial. USA Cricket will have to decide whether it will seize the opportunity to establish itself as a powerhouse in global cricket or continue to stand apart.

Further Reading: Rohit Sharma vs Virat Kohli: Who is Better? Batting & Captaincy Comparison

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Why did ICC suspend USA Cricket in 2025?

The suspension was due to repeated failures of the authorities, irregularities in governance and unresolved issues. Despite various warnings, the reforms were not fully implemented.

Q2. Can USA teams still play in ICC tournaments after suspension?

Yes, suspensions and fines have the same effect. However, the USA men’s and women’s teams still participate in ICC events like the T20 World.

Q3. How long will USA Cricket remain suspended?

There is no set timeline. If USA Cricket resolves financial disputes and meets ICC accountability standards, it could return in 2026-27.

Q4. What does suspension mean for domestic cricket in the U.S.?

Local leagues, youth development and programs can see responses and appearances. While national cricket continues, the ecosystem can remain local.

Q5. Why is the suspension significant for global cricket?

The US is a key growth market ahead of the 2028 Olympics. The ICC decision emphasizes that expansion cannot come at the expense of governance. It ensures that all members, large or small, adhere to the same standards.