ICC Urged to Intervene in USAC Crisis Amidst Internal Turmoil

Current and former directors of the USA Cricket Board call for ICC intervention to address internal discord and financial mismanagement. They urge for immediate action and a forensic audit to rebuild integrity. The board faces suspension and financial woes, with a push for new leadership and transparency.

The ongoing turmoil within the USA Cricket Board (USAC) has prompted a call for immediate intervention from the International Cricket Council (ICC). Directors Arjun Rao Gona, Kuljit Singh Nijjar, and former independent director Patricia Whittaker have requested the ICC's involvement to address what they describe as the organisation's 'collapse'.

In a statement reported by ESPNcricinfo, the trio highlighted the need for a forensic audit of USAC's operations and the public disclosure of findings to ensure transparency. The plea follows USAC's media release, which expressed bewilderment at the ICC's decision to suspend the board on September 23. Subsequently, a meeting chaired by Venu Pisike, the board's chair, led to the announcement of plans to file for bankruptcy as part of financial restructuring.

The suspension by the ICC, due to persistent breaches of ICC obligations, has triggered a six-step normalisation roadmap. This includes organisational revamping and the introduction of new independent directors. Gona, Nijjar, and Whittaker argue for an investigation into root causes, financial integrity, and safeguarding the interests of players and fans during this critical transition.

(With inputs from agencies.)