June 27, 2015
DUBAI: Significant concerns about the efficiency and governance of the United States of America Cricket Association (USACA) have led to the International Cricket Council (ICC) suspending the body as an ICC member with immediate effect on Friday (June 26).
June 27, 2015
DUBAI: Significant concerns about the efficiency and governance of the United States of America Cricket Association (USACA) have led to the International Cricket Council (ICC) suspending the body as an ICC member with immediate effect on Friday (June 26).
The decision was taken during the ICC Annual Conference in Barbados on the basis of recommendations of a review group, which submitted its report to the ICC Board recently. The report had expressed "significant concerns about the governance, finance, reputation and cricketing activities of USACA", said an ICC statement.
The suspension meant that USACA would not receive any funds from the ICC for the development of the game in the country till the next update.
N Srinivasan, the ICC Chairman, said the decision was taken after careful consideration. "The ICC Board has made this difficult decision after careful consideration and in the best interest of the game and all cricketers in the USA," he said. "The country has tremendous potential but because of governance, financial and cricketing challenges, the opportunity to grow the game is not being properly nurtured.
"The ICC Board had put USACA on notice in its January meeting this year and had hoped that it would show some urgency to address and improve in the areas that were identified as weaknesses. Unfortunately, the response to date has been inadequate and it has proved necessary for the ICC Board to take further action."
However, the ICC have confirmed that they would allow the USA team to take part in the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier 2015 in Ireland and Scotland, starting July 9. The USA Under-19 team would also be permitted to play in the upcoming Americas Under-19 Championship in Bermuda.
The suspension could be lifted if USACA satisfy the ICC Board by proving that the problem areas have been addressed. But, till then, the ICC, assisted by the Board for Control of Cricket in India, Cricket Australia, the England and Wales Cricket Board and the West Indies Cricket Board, are going to monitor the proceedings.
Courtesy: IBN
