Will USA Cricket Play in T20 World Cup 2026 and LA Olympics 2028 After ICC Suspension?
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended the membership of USA Cricket with immediate effect following repeated failure to fulfill the obligations of an ICC member. The move was made during the virtual meeting of the ICC Board on September 23.
As reported by the ICC, the suspension follows "repeated and continued breaches" of USA Cricket's duties as per the ICC Constitution.
In an official statement, the ICC stated:
"The decision, taken by the ICC Board during its meeting earlier, was based on USA Cricket's repeated and continued breaches of its obligations as an ICC Member under the ICC's Constitution."
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Reasons Behind Suspension of the USA Cricket
The ICC emphasized a number of reasons for the suspension, such as not constructing a proper governance system and failure to make progress to become National Governing Body status with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC).
It also mentioned:
“Significant actions that have caused reputational damage to cricket in the United States and around the world.”
In July 2025, the ICC had provided USA Cricket with three months to hold "free and fair elections." Yet, no such action was taken, which eventually resulted in the suspension.
Will USA Play T20 WC 2026 and LA Olympics 2028?
Irrespective of the suspension, the USA team will continue to be a part of the T20 World Cup 2026 and Los Angeles Olympics 2028
Assuring playing about the transition not affecting their preparation, The ICC further stated:
"The suspension is an unfortunate but necessary step to protect the long-term interests of the game."
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What's Next for USA Cricket?
The ICC said it will create a normalisation committee to oversee reforms in the USA Cricket Constitution. After the reforms have been applied and accepted, the suspension can be lifted.
The ICC also reminded USA Cricket of its obligations:
"When USAC was notified of the AGM's decision, it was specifically advised in writing that, along with fulfilling the commitments it made to the Board and taking immediate steps in that respect, it must (i) not do/omit to do anything that might jeopardise cricket's inclusion in the Olympics, and (ii) not do anything (by act or omission) that brings cricket or the ICC into disrepute or is contrary to the best interests of cricket or the ICC."
The move places USA Cricket in sharp focus as its governance is now in the hands of the ICC. The next few months will tell whether reforms can be implemented soon enough to make its member status return.