The current crisis in US cricket took an unexpected turn on October 1, 2025 as its national governing body officially filed for bankruptcy. USA Cricket (USAC) handed in the bankruptcy filing shortly after current ICC membership issues plaguing the organisation. USAC filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11, Sub-chapter V of the US Bankruptcy Code.
Why Did the USAC File for Bankruptcy?
The USAC released a statement claiming bankruptcy was its last option to stabilise finances and resolve inequities in contract agreements. Other points in the statement also claim bankruptcy will help provide ample time to execute governance reforms that align with ICC standards.
What Event Triggered the USAC Bankruptcy Filing?
The sudden bankruptcy filing comes exactly one week after the International Cricket Council (ICC) suspended the USAC’s membership. An ICC statement cites repeated breaches of its membership criteria as a major reason behind the suspension:
“The International Cricket Council (ICC), after a thorough review of affairs and extensive engagement with key stakeholders over the past year, today confirmed the suspension of ICC membership status of USA Cricket, with immediate effect. The decision, taken by the ICC Board during its meeting earlier, was based on USA Cricket’s repeated and continued breaches of its obligations as an ICC Member under the ICC’s Constitution,” the ICC statement read.
What Does the USAC Say About Its Bankruptcy Filing?
The USAC Chapter 11 filing is an attempt to renegotiate specific contracts with external entities while chasing internal reforms. Filing for bankruptcy also provides the cricket governing body support to continue operating while under court supervision.
USAC CEO Speaks on Bankruptcy Filing
Jonathan Atkeison joined USAC as its CEO in 2024. Mr. Atkeison has prior experience with governing bodies undergoing reorganisation, after his work in US rugby administration.
“The decision was not made lightly, but it is the best course of action to secure USA Cricket, and allow it the time and space it needs to successfully reorganize,” the USAC CEO said.
USAC CEO Claims Bankruptcy Filing Done to Protect Against Powerful Entities
The USAC terminated a contract agreement with the American Cricket Enterprises (ACE) in late August 2025 over a breach in stated obligations. An initial 50-year plan was torn up, as it appeared to unfairly favour the ACE over USAC’s interests.
Mr. Atkeison refers to the ACE as an “800-pound gorilla” amid the tussle to administer US cricket during this tough phase:
“We have been forced into the protections of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court because ACE is well aware of its stature as an 800lb gorilla and has weaponized its financial muscle to frustrate our ability to govern the sport,” the USAC official said.
Mr. Atkeison also said that filing for bankruptcy will help USAC achieve smooth governance reforms ahead of the 2028 Olympics:
“This Chapter 11 filing is a decisive move to secure our ability to address the patently inequitable contracts of the past, correct our financial situation, achieve governance reforms and finally build the world-class NGB America deserves, with an eye toward LA2028. We look forward to sharing more of our story over the coming days,” the USAC exec added.
ACE Responds to USAC Contract Termination
The ACE is seeking legal redress after its decades-long contract with the USAC was cancelled. An ACE statement accused USAC officials directly, claiming the body’s execs made political decisions with personal agendas driving their moves:
“[The USAC] had no basis to terminate the parties’ agreement and was recklessly imperilling the success of cricket in the U.S. USAC has zero regard for the best interests of cricket and its players, and is only motivated by politics and its directors’ personal agendas,” the ACE statement read.
Will US Teams Take Part in Regional/International Competitions Amid USAC Crisis?
The ICC decided to step in and save sporting talent amid USAC’s current membership crisis. An ICC statement clarifies that the international cricket regulator will take over administration of USAC until its management structure meets set standards.
The cricket authority also says that all eligible cricket teams will be able to participate in scheduled tournaments they qualify for:
“The management and administration of USA national teams will temporarily be overseen by the ICC and/or its designated representatives to ensure continued support for the players and maintain momentum towards Olympic inclusion. This approach reflects the ICC’s firm commitment to upholding the best interests of cricketers in the USA and the sustenance of a High-performance & Player development program which will seek to elevate the stature and capabilities of players representing the USA,” a part of the released ICC statement read.
The ICC’s decision to allow USA teams take part in cricket competitions may be due to the LA 2028 Olympics. An automatic qualification slot for the US Men’s Cricket team along with support to return cricket to Olympic-level competition after 100 years appear to be clear motivators behind the ICC’s latest move.
