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USA cricket declares bankruptcy to halt court battle amid ICC pressure: Report

Akshita Patel

USA cricket jumps into biggest crisis [Source: @kuma74413/X.com]USA cricket jumps into biggest crisis [Source: @kuma74413/X.com]

In a dramatic turn of events, USA Cricket has officially declared bankruptcy, making it the first-ever ICC member board in the world to do so. The announcement came on October 2, just minutes before a crucial court hearing in Colorado against ACE.

The board filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, a legal move that allows an organisation to restructure its debts while continuing operations. 

This filing immediately put a pause on the Colorado court proceedings against American Cricket Enterprises, shifting all decision-making power to the federal bankruptcy court instead.

USA cricket’s governance crisis hits rock bottom

According to Cricbuzz, the future of cricket in the United States is suddenly full of uncertainty. Current player contracts, including deals of senior internationals, are now under the watch of the bankruptcy court. 

Most of these contracts were supposed to run until December 31, 2025, but could now face renegotiation or even delays in payments. 

Notably, the bankruptcy move comes after months of boardroom fights, pressure from the ICC, and disputes with ACE, the company backing Major League Cricket in the USA. ICC recently suspended USA board for failing to conduct fair elections.

Reports suggest USA Cricket was under financial stress, with early bankruptcy documents showing modest assets and unsecured claims of just over half a million dollars.

Interestingly, ACE even offered to continue player payments if USA Cricket agreed to let the commercial agreement run while the dispute went to arbitration. But the board rejected this offer, choosing bankruptcy instead.

Will cricket survive in the USA?

The ICC and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) have already been pushing for major reforms in USA Cricket. They wanted the board to resign to bring stability, but officials refused. Now, the bankruptcy filing puts players, leagues, and even grassroots pathways in limbo.

For now, all eyes will be on the bankruptcy court to see if USA Cricket can survive this financial storm or if this bold gamble backfires.