The ongoing crisis in USA Cricket has led to the organization filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy amid governance issues and an ICC suspension, raising concerns about the future of cricket in the U.S.
USA Cricket (USAC) is facing a significant crisis as it has initiated bankruptcy proceedings, citing the need for a structural reorganization. This move comes in the wake of the International Cricket Council (ICC) suspending USAC’s membership due to ongoing governance failures.
Founded in 2017, USA Cricket serves as the official governing body for cricket in the United States. It is responsible for promoting, developing, and regulating the sport across the country. USAC is recognized by the ICC as the representative body for cricket in the U.S. and oversees the national teams, domestic leagues, and grassroots programs.
The organization aims to grow cricket in the United States by building a robust infrastructure, enhancing governance, and creating pathways for players to compete at international levels. USAC manages both the men’s and women’s national teams, which participate in ICC events and regional competitions.
In recent years, USAC has collaborated with American Cricket Enterprises (ACE) to launch Major League Cricket (MLC), a professional T20 league designed to elevate cricket’s profile and provide opportunities for both domestic and international players.
However, USAC has encountered significant challenges, including governance issues and financial disputes with ACE. In 2025, the ICC suspended USAC’s membership, citing repeated failures in governance. Following this suspension, USAC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as part of a restructuring effort aimed at stabilizing its operations and resolving ongoing conflicts.
Despite these setbacks, USAC remains committed to fostering the growth of cricket within the diverse American sporting landscape. The organization hopes to establish the U.S. as a competitive cricketing nation in the years to come.
In a statement, USAC described the bankruptcy filing as an “aggressive” and “legal” move necessary to “ensure the future of American cricket.” The organization noted that one contributing factor to its financial reorganization was the strain and operational interference stemming from the agreement with ACE.
USAC indicated that the original 50-year agreement with ACE heavily favored the latter and was not negotiated transparently. It was reportedly arranged by a board member who did not disclose conflicts of interest involving both himself and his employer.
Despite the challenges, there remains a sense of optimism within the cricket community regarding the sport’s future in the United States. The country’s diverse population and increasing interest in cricket provide a promising foundation for long-term growth.
The announcement of the bankruptcy filing was made public in a media release, where USAC stated that it had “voluntarily” filed for financial reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. This decision is particularly concerning as it follows the ICC’s suspension of USAC on September 23 for serious breaches of membership criteria.
The ongoing crisis underscores significant challenges in governance, financial management, and organizational stability within USA Cricket. The ICC’s suspension signals a loss of confidence from the global cricket authority, while the termination of the long-term agreement with ACE and the ensuing legal battles reveal deep operational and financial conflicts within U.S. cricket administration.
The Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing reflects an urgent need for financial restructuring to ensure the survival and future growth of cricket in America. This turbulent period suggests that without effective reforms and resolution of disputes, USA Cricket’s ability to develop the sport nationally and compete internationally could be jeopardized.
The involvement of the ICC’s Normalization Committee and ongoing legal scrutiny indicate a potential path toward rebuilding. However, much will depend on transparent governance and clear financial accountability moving forward.
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