The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved the 105th member and 93rd associate member status to the USA Cricket that has been formed in 2017. After the ICC expelled the former governing body USACA (United States of America Cricket Association) in 2017, it is the first time when the newly formed governing body has been granted the ICC member status.
In 1965, the United States national cricket team achieved the ICC member status for the first time. However, in June 2017, the ICC expelled the USACA who had failed to ratify an ICC-approved constitution.
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Later, in September 2017, USA Cricket has been formed as the new governing body of United States national cricket team. Now, recently on Tuesday (8 January), the ICC announced to approve USA Cricket as their latest member.
ICC CEO David Richardson said on that occasion, “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.”
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The USA Cricket is now eligible to receive ICC funding in accordance with the ICC Development Funding Policy. Also, the ICC can now sanction domestic and international cricket in the USA.
Parag Marathe, the USA Cricket chairman, quoted on this occasion, “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.
“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.
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“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.”
The US national cricket team will now fight to regain their ODI status when they will participate in the six-team tournament – 2019 ICC World Cricket League Division Two that has been scheduled to be held in Namibia between 18 and 28 April 2019. The top four teams will earn the ODI status.
