Judge approves settlement to restore USA Cricket out of bankruptcy

USA Cricket's path out of bankruptcy is imminent after the United States Bankruptcy Court overruled seven separate objections and approved a settlement with American Cricket Enterprises (ACE). The agreement ends years of boardroom infighting and legal battles, restoring the parties' commercial partnership and unlocking more than $1.1 million in funding to support the governing body's emergence from Chapter 11.

ACE will provide $480,000 in post-petition financing, contribute $340,000 towards claims, provide exit financing, and withdraw its $150 million proof of claim against USA Cricket.

The dispute traces back to friction between former USA Cricket chairman Venu Pisike, fellow director Srinivas Salver, and ACE over finalizing a long-form commercial agreement. The breakdown left USA Cricket cash-strapped, limiting investment in national teams. Since the USA men's historic Super Eight run at the 2024 T20 World Cup, the team has hosted just one bilateral T20I series against Nepal and no other home internationals in five years.

The deteriorating situation led the ICC to suspend USA Cricket in September 2025 over governance failures. USA Cricket then attempted to terminate the ACE agreement, which ACE challenged as unlawful. In October 2025, hours before a scheduled hearing, USA Cricket filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

By early 2026, the bankruptcy court appointed a Chapter 11 trustee to take control. Seven objections to the proposed settlement were filed but overruled by Judge Michael E. Romero, who found the settlement within the range of reasonableness.

The ruling comes a day after ACE delivered the new Los Angeles cricket venue that will host cricket at the 2028 Olympics.

"We are pleased the Court has approved the settlement," said Johnny Grave, CEO MLC. "Our objective has been to support the long-term future of cricket in the United States."

The focus now shifts to the ICC and trustee regarding rebuilding the governing body and lifting the ICC suspension. Indications point to a transitional model with the ICC appointing leadership and overseeing a restructured framework, with independent directors before elections are reintroduced after the Los Angeles Olympics.