In an unprecedented move, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced it will directly finance the United States national cricket team. This intervention ensures the squad can continue its preparations for next year's T20 World Cup, bypassing its own suspended and bankrupt national governing body.
Governance Crisis Leads to ICC Suspension
The decision follows the suspension of USA Cricket (USAC) by the ICC in September 2025. The global body cited significant governance failures, a lack of recognition from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), and actions that damaged the sport's reputation as reasons for the suspension. Despite this severe sanction, the eligibility of US national teams for ICC events and their preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games remained intact.
On Monday 22 December 2025, the ICC confirmed its commitment to honour USAC's existing financial obligations to its contracted players. The council will also fund the national team's performance programme throughout the suspension period. In a firm statement, the ICC declared it "will not allow the dysfunction of USAC to compromise USA’s participation and competitiveness at global events, or the work of the ICC in cricket’s return to the Olympics."
Bankruptcy and World Cup Preparations
This direct funding pledge comes after USAC itself rejected an ICC loan intended for player salaries. The national body has since filed for bankruptcy, leaving a critical financial void. The ICC's action is therefore vital for the US men's team, which is scheduled to compete in the T20 World Cup starting in February 2026.
The tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, will feature 20 teams. The USA has been drawn in a challenging Group A alongside defending champions India, Pakistan, Namibia, and the Netherlands. The top two teams from each of the four groups will progress to the Super Eight stage, followed by the semi-finals and final.
A History of Shock Results
The US team is no stranger to making an impact on the world stage. They co-hosted the previous T20 World Cup with the West Indies in 2024 and delivered one of the tournament's biggest shocks by beating Pakistan in the group stages. That victory propelled them into the Super Eights for the first time in their history.
Their campaign ended there after subsequent losses to the West Indies, South Africa, and England. However, their performance proved their potential to compete with established cricketing nations. The ICC's financial guarantee aims to provide the stability needed for the team to build on that foundation and prepare effectively for the upcoming global event.
