USA Cricket Troubles: Suspension And Commercial Overreach

File Photo USA Cricket

India-West Staff Reporter

USA Cricket has blamed years of “commercial overreach” by its former partner, American Cricket Enterprises (ACE), for the current crisis that has pushed the governing body to the brink of bankruptcy and internal division.

Calling the ICC suspension “one of the most difficult moments in our history,” USA Cricket said it was the result of “difficult but necessary decisions taken to protect the game, the organization, and the future of cricket in the United States.”

The statement, issued October 10, offers the most detailed account yet of what the board describes as a strained relationship with ACE — the commercial entity that owns Major League Cricket (MLC) and had signed an exclusive long-term agreement with USA Cricket to professionalize the sport in the U.S.

According to USA Cricket, the deal with ACE, originally intended to build infrastructure and boost player development, became “a one-sided arrangement” that restricted the board’s independence and undermined its ability to operate freely.

“The original term sheet, signed in good faith years ago, was never converted into a balanced, long-form agreement,” the statement said. “ACE repeatedly failed to meet financial and operational obligations while attempting to control the organization’s governance, operations, and programs.”

The governing body said it had nonetheless maintained compliance with ICC requirements, including audited reports and elections scheduled for completion by October 20.

The ICC’s decision to suspend USA Cricket shortly after it terminated the ACE agreement “has been difficult to comprehend,” said Chair Venu Pisike, who described the move as a stand for integrity, not defiance.

“Ending a one-sided relationship with ACE was a stand for integrity, not defiance of the ICC,” Pisike said. “We chose principle over convenience.”

The statement also accuses ACE of commercializing youth cricket through its “MLC Jr” program, which allegedly became the only pathway for young players and was “accessible mainly through ACE-affiliated academies charging significant fees.”

By contrast, USA Cricket said it has worked to rebuild a more inclusive system — its USA Cricket Hubs now include over 10,000 young players participating in regional programs that “are open and community-driven.”

“Our players and parents are the real investors in American cricket,” said CEO Johnathan Atkeison. “ACE never funded these community programs; the community did.”

The organization’s statement goes further, alleging that ACE imported more than 100 foreign players under the guise of supporting domestic cricket, pressured selectors to favor certain athletes, and even threatened national players who participated in USA Cricket-sanctioned events.

It also accused ACE of using leaks and media influence to discredit USA Cricket leadership and said several actions are now under legal review.

Despite these tensions, USA Cricket confirmed it will continue to sanction Minor League Cricket (MiLC) to ensure “freedom to play without fear or coercion,” said board member Srini Salver.

The statement — described as the first in a planned series of communications — promises further transparency about the “financial breaches, structural flaws, and steps being taken to rebuild trust and stability.”

“We stand by our players, our parents, and our volunteers,” Pisike said. “This is their game, and USA Cricket will continue to serve them with transparency and accountability.”