USA Cricket gets ICC membership in mere 18 months

The International Cricket Council has recognised USA Cricket as its 105th Member. This a historical milestone for the governing body for cricket in the USA, which was established in 2017 to unify and develop the cricket community in the United States following the expulsion of USACA.

USA Cricket’s application to become the 93rd Associate Member in accordance with the ICC Constitution was approved by ICC Members following the Membership Committee’s recommendation to the ICC Board late last year and is implemented with immediate effect, ICC has confirmed in a Press release.

ICC Chief Executive, David Richardson said: “This is the culmination of a great deal of hard work and I would like to congratulate the Chair of USA Cricket, Paraag Marathe, and the Board, on this important milestone and wish them all the very best for the future.”

As a Member of the ICC, USA Cricket is now eligible to receive funding in accordance with the ICC Development Funding Policy and can sanction domestic and international cricket in the United States.

“This is truly an exciting day for USA Cricket and the entire U.S. cricket community,” said USA Cricket Board Chair Marathe. “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I’d like to thank the ICC and their 104 other members for their trust in us and we’d also like to recognize the work of all the volunteers and staff who have dedicated so much time and effort to reach this historic day. We realize the incredible responsibility that comes with this recognition and we are committed to working hard to be great stewards of the game both for the United States and global cricket.”

“USA Cricket was established to bring together the cricket community in the United States, develop the game and unlock the sport’s undoubted potential for growth. Today’s confirmation that it is the ICC’s newest Member is a significant staging post on that journey.”

A transition plan has been agreed for the governing body, which has to date been managed by the ICC Americas regional support programme. This will see all governing body obligations transferred to USA Cricket under the auspices of the USA Cricket Board of Directors this month. The recruitment of a Chief Executive and key management roles will begin in due course as the immediate priorities of the new Member.

“As David mentioned, this recognition is not just the work of our Board but is a result of thousands of volunteer hours over the last 18 months and USA Cricket appreciates the time, effort and sacrifice of all those involved,” added Marathe.

“On behalf of our Board of Directors and the entire U.S. cricket community, I also want to thank the ICC and the other 104-member countries for your faith in us to deliver on the nearly limitless potential for cricket in the United States. We do not take this responsibility lightly and pledge to lead this great game with the integrity, passion and tireless work ethic that is a foundation for global cricket.”

USA Cricket, coming into existence after United States of Amercian Cricket Association (USACA) expulsion, has taken a mere 18 months to get the ICC recognition.

The journey towards ICC membership was assisted by passionate volunteers who have played various roles at every step of the way over the last 18 months including as members of the Board of Directors and working groups and committees like the Sustainable Foundation Advisory Group, the Nominating and Governance Committee and the other advisory groups in the areas of participation, performance and fan and market development. In addition, there were hundreds of individuals who came to town hall meetings and roadshows to help shape the future for USA Cricket, states the 105^th member of the ICC.

Here are the milestone en route to USA Cricket’s inclusion in the ICC:

September, 2017 – USA Cricket’s logo & social identities released

Fall/Winter, 2017 – Membership roadshows

November, 2017 – Website at www.USACricket.org launched

December, 2017 – USA Cricket’s Constitution approved

February, 2018 – Membership opens

March, 2018 – Historic Team USA Women’s tour to Australia and Rookie League program launched

Spring/Summer, 2018 –  Men’s, Women’s and U19 Combines

Summer, 2018 – Eligible voter “Peer Review”

July, 2018 – USA Cricket Board elections start

August, 2018 – Full Board seated including three Independent Directors

September, 2018 – Team USA Men win the T20 Sub Regional Qualifier

October, 2018 – USA Cricket Board Chair elected

November, 2018 – Team USA Men qualify for Division 2 & T20 Professional League RFP released

January, 2019 – ICC Recognition

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