USA Cricket in Crisis: Chair Challenges ICC Authority Amid Ongoing Turmoil
The ongoing governance crisis at USA Cricket (USAC) continues to unfold, with chairman Venu Pisike resisting calls for leadership changes from both the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC). Both organizations have urged USAC to restructure its board, advocating for the resignation of current members and the appointment of independent directors. The ICC has warned USAC of potential suspension if reforms are not enacted, while the USOPC has made compliance a condition for cricket’s recognition in the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Venu Pisike’s Stance and Board Dynamics
Despite external pressure, Venu Pisike has advised USAC board members against resigning. He actively rejected the resignation of independent director Pintoo Shah, who stepped down in accordance with the ICC and USOPC recommendations. This decision has aggravated tensions within the board. Player-director Nadia Gruny, who had signaled her willingness to resign to facilitate a smoother transition, was unexpectedly removed from her position, further complicating the internal dynamics. The lack of consensus has created an unstable environment, with board members expressing dissent against Pisike’s leadership.
Failed Resolution and Future Implications
During a board meeting on July 13, 2025, Pisike proposed a resolution to terminate a long-standing agreement with American Cricket Enterprises (ACE), the operator of Major League Cricket (MLC). This resolution came shortly after USA Cricket had publicly supported MLC, raising eyebrows about the timing and intent behind the proposal. However, the resolution did not pass as several board members left the meeting in protest of Pisike’s approach. The potential impact on MLC remains uncertain if Pisike decides to revisit the resolution.
Calls for Reform and ICC’s Oversight
This governance crisis is not new; it began to gain traction in July 2024 when the ICC placed USAC under notice for governance-related issues. A normalisation committee was subsequently established to oversee cricket administration in the U.S. The ICC’s representatives reiterated the need for board members to voluntarily resign during a meeting in Los Angeles on June 18, 2025. These developments align with the USOPC’s push for comprehensive reforms ahead of the 2028 Olympics, underscoring the urgency of the situation. David Patterson, a Senior Governance Advisor at the USOPC, has emphasized the necessity for the resignation and replacement of independent board members to ensure compliance with their directives.
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