USA cricket hit by ICC suspension

US cricket fans at the Champions Trophy in England three years ago

The United States of America Cricket Association has been suspended from world cricket's governing body.

The International Cricket Council took the decision after the USACA failed to meet a deadline for adopting a new constitution and holding elections.

"The ICC recognises that the USA has vast potential as a cricketing nation.

"But without a functioning administration that potential is likely to remain largely untapped," ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed commented.

"The ICC hopes this measure will serve to focus minds within cricketing circles in the USA, that sense will prevail and that all those with the good of the game at heart will come together and take control of this unfortunate situation."

He added: "It is especially disappointing that the USA players have had to be penalised in this way for matters that are largely beyond their control."

The United States team took part in the 2004 ICC Champions Trophy in England, when they played matches against Australia and New Zealand, but that progress on the field was not matched off it.

The USACA was suspended for the first time in 2005 when plans for Project USA, which would have committed significant funds to help develop the game, were put on hold.

It was lifted last year, subject to conditions about the USACA constitution and the holding of elections for officials, but a deadline of 1 March came and went without satisfactory progress being made.

As a result of reinstating the suspension, the ICC will withhold its annual grant to the USACA and the United States team will not be allowed to take part in the World Cricket League Division Three series to be played in Darwin in May and automatically relegated.

The West Indies Cricket Board has been asked to monitor the situation in the USA.

"The suspension will stand until such time as the West Indies Cricket Board recommends and the Executive Board agrees it should be lifted," an ICC statement said.