Aftershocks of the ICC AGM: What Lies Ahead for USA Cricket

Aftershocks of the ICC AGM: What Lies Ahead for USA Cricket

The ICC extended the suspension notice originally issued to USA Cricket during its July 2024 AGM by three months. This gives the embattled board more time to address its governance issues.

The development is surprising, especially after reports indicated ICC Chairman Jay Shah held informal discussions with USAC Chairman Venu Pisike and CEO Johnathan Atkieson. During these discussions, the ICC reportedly called for the resignations of all nine current board directors, acting on the recommendation of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC).

The ICC sent a formal letter to USAC outlining a "roadmap to normalisation," which proposed the induction of three new independent directors, appointed by the ICC in consultation with the USOPC, after the resignations of the incumbent board members.

In its media release following the AGM, the ICC reaffirmed its stance: "The organization remains on notice (USAC). USAC is required to undertake comprehensive governance reforms, including but not limited to completing free and fair elections within a three-month period."

The USAC board will now consist of 12 directors, up from 10, with two additional seats allocated to player representatives. The upcoming elections will open nine of the twelve board positions to the ballot, with the exception of the three independent director roles.

While the ICC initially mandated a two-year "cooling-off" period for current directors before they could recontest elections, this clause has since been rescinded. This allows all incumbent directors to stand for re-election, with the exception of Chairman Venu Pisike and Nadia Gruny, who have exhausted their term limits.

Uncertainty remains over whether player director, Salver, is eligible to re-run. It is unclear if he meets the "international athlete" criteria. Although he has represented the USA in List-A fixtures, he has not featured in official international matches against ICC Full or Associate Members.

The ICC's decision to extend USAC's suspension without a full board overhaul has thrown a curveball. It remains to be seen how the USOPC will respond and whether it will reassert itself as a key stakeholder in resolving the governance impasse.