ADVERTISEMENTs
USA Cricket reveals power struggle with former partner amid ICC fallout
The national body said the ICC’s suspension marked “one of the most difficult moments” in its history, describing it as the result of “difficult but necessary decisions” to protect the sport’s integrity in the United States
-
1749497506.png)
Malvika Choudhary - Tue, 14, Oct 2025
- 16:53 EDT
- 32
USA Cricket / X (USA Cricket)
USA Cricket (USAC) accused its former commercial partner, American Cricket Enterprises (ACE), of years of overreach and interference, revealing deep internal rifts that preceded its suspension by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and subsequent bankruptcy filing.
In a detailed statement released on Oct. 10, USAC said the ICC’s Sept. 23 suspension marked “one of the most difficult moments” in its history, describing it as the result of “difficult but necessary decisions” to protect the sport’s integrity in the United States—including the termination of its long-term partnership with ACE, the owner of Major League Cricket (MLC).
Also Read: ICC suspends USA Cricket membership; breaches as member cited reason
The statement—described as the first in a “series of communications”—comes after USAC filed for bankruptcy on Oct. 1. The board called the restructuring “essential to secure the organization’s future,” while describing the ICC’s suspension as “aggressive.”
Power struggle
USAC said that what began as a partnership with ACE to develop cricket in the U.S. had turned into a “one-sided arrangement” that undermined the board’s independence and limited its ability to function freely.
“The original term sheet, signed in good faith years ago, was never converted into a balanced, long-form agreement,” the statement said, adding that ACE “failed to meet financial and operational obligations while attempting to control the organization’s governance, operations, and programs.”
Chair Venu Pisike said the decision to end the agreement was “a stand for integrity, not defiance of the ICC.” “We chose principle over convenience,” Pisike said. “Our decisions were driven by the need to safeguard the game’s future, not to surrender its control.”
The rift traces back to a 50-year commercial deal signed in 2019, under which ACE was to provide US$1.2 million annually to support national teams. USAC now claims the deal undervalued its commercial rights, estimating them to be worth more than US$5 million per year.
The statement accused ACE of attempting to influence national selectors, import players without proper oversight, and intimidate those participating in non-MLC tournaments. It also alleged that ACE representatives made “open threats” to players considering independent participation in USA Cricket-sanctioned events.
Grassroots and community impact
USAC said ACE’s control extended beyond governance into youth and grassroots cricket, accusing it of monetizing player pathways through “MLC Jr” academies that charged high fees and limited access.
“Every young cricketer who trains after school, every family that drives hours for matches — these are the people who have truly built the game here,” said Johnathan Atkeison, CEO of USA Cricket. “ACE never funded these community programs; the community did.”
The board cited the abrupt withdrawal of facilities from the 2025 U19 National Championships as evidence of “outside pressure” and “commercial interference” that directly affected athletes and volunteers.
Despite its dispute with ACE, USA Cricket said it will continue to sanction the Minor League Cricket (MiLC) competition in 2025 “to protect players’ opportunities to compete without fear or coercion.”
“Our athletes deserve freedom to play without fear or coercion,” stated Srini Salver, USA Cricket board member and cricket committee chair. “We will never allow commercial intimidation to silence or control the aspirations of our national players.”
USAC said it would comply with the ICC’s election timeline and operate with “transparency and accountability.” “We stand by our players, our parents, and our volunteers,” Pisike said. “This is their game, and USA Cricket will continue to serve them.”
The board said upcoming communications would detail financial breaches and structural flaws in the ACE partnership, outlining steps being taken to stabilize the organization and restore ICC recognition.
The ICC has directed USAC to hold board elections by Oct. 20 and carry out governance reforms to restore credibility.
Related
.jpg)
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
ADVERTISEMENT
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login