International Cricket Council (ICC) has been a spectator as USA Cricket (USAC) continues to be run in a chaotic state. Earlier this week, USAC sent notices to American Cricket Enterprises (ACE) threatening them of derailing cricket administration in the US thereby fueling chaos in the region's cricketing fraternity. Despite repeated notices from the ICC and United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee's (USOPC) appeal for a regime change, USAC has continued to remain defiant.
Last year, the global body had put USAC on notice and a further extension of three months was given at ICC's Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Singapore last month. This was after the USOPC had categorically stated that they would not be keen on working with the current cricket administration in the country.
"In relation to USA Cricket, the ICC reiterated its previous position and confirmed that the organisation remains on notice. USA Cricket is required to undertake comprehensive governance reforms, including but not limited to completing free and fair elections within a three-month period. The Board, however, reserves the right to take such actions as it deems appropriate," read the ICC statement.
In less than a month since that call to get its house in order, chaos continues to reign supreme in the region. After months of threats to issue breach notices, USA Cricket published a press release that said they were terminating their commercial agreement with ACE, which was signed in 2019.
In doing so, USAC has conveyed to the ICC that they refuse to identify with the global body's recommendations and are not interested in coordinating with the USOPC either.
Also Read | USA Cricket severs ties with strategic partner ACE; risks bankruptcy"USA Cricket today announced the termination of its commercial agreement with American Cricket Enterprises (ACE), citing multiple material breaches of the Term Sheet signed between the parties in May 2019," read a USA Cricket release.
The move is slated to affect a lot of cricketing activities as ACE was responsible for the Major League Cricket (MLC) and Minor League Cricket (MiLC) — the two professionally run tournaments in the region.
MLC, which recently completed its third season, saw leading international cricketers in action and has a strong presence from India in the form of IPL team owners. The latest development leaves MiLC, which was due to start soon, uncertain and the future of cricketers looking to make a name for themselves at the mercy of administrators who haven't been able to get their house in order.
It is worth noting that ICC has maintained a very soft stance with the USAC and ignored the misgovernance even in the build-up to the 2024 T20 World Cup. The USAC were kept at arm's length as ICC handled the preparations. As a result of all this, one of the biggest markets remains untapped.
The USAC looks far from ready to host fair elections, musical chairs have continued with the role of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Dr. Noor Murad, the former CEO, had his contract terminated and it is reliably learnt that he never got a free hand from the top brass to implement cricketing decisions and other policies. Additionally, he is believed to have highlighted the over-influence of administrators in cricketing and selection matters.
Different ICC leaderships have failed to address the mess and with the LA 2028 Olympics not too far away, it's imperative the global cricket body acts tough and sets the house in order. If it doesn't, it could lead to embarrassment of its own doing.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!