USA Cricket confirmed as ICC's 105th member

The governing body approved as the 93rd associate will now be responsible for developing cricket in the USA.

ICC's longstanding ambition of encashing the American market just saw a major step forward | Getty

United States of America(USA) Cricket has been announced as the 105th member of the International Cricket Council(ICC) on Tuesday, January 8. The days marks a historic moment for USA Cricket - a governing body which came into existence after USACA was expelled in June 2017 for lack of cooperation with the ICC regarding unification of various cricket communities in the nation. 

USA Cricket's application for becoming the 93rd Associate member, as per the ICC constitution, was accepted on recommendation of the seven-member ICC Membership Committee during 2018. 

The body which is now responsible for governing cricket in the USA had actually appointed  Paraag Marathe, president of 49ers Enterprises and Executive Vice President of Football Operations for the 49ers, as the Chair of the board. 

USA Cricket will now be receiving the necessary funding in conformity with the governing body's Development Funding Policy. The board can also authorise domestic and international cricket in the United States.

All the obligations will be smoothly transferred to USA Cricket at Cricket Board of Directors later this month as per a plan scheduled for the same. ICC Americas regional support programme, which supervises cricket in North and South America and the Caribbean islands, was managing the operations but only on a temporary basis.

"This is the culmination of a great deal of hard work and I would like to congratulate the Chair of USA Cricket, Paraag Marathe, and the Board, on this important milestone and wish them all the very best for the future," the ICC CEO David Richardson said on the great development. 

Before, USA Cricket Board Chair, Marathe was also quoted saying, "USA Cricket was established to bring together the cricket community in the United States, develop the game and unlock the sport's undoubted potential for growth. Today's confirmation that it is the ICC's newest Member is a significant staging post on that journey."

"As David mentioned, this recognition is not just the work of our Board but is a result of thousands of volunteer hours over the last 18 months and USA Cricket appreciates the time, effort and sacrifice of all those involved."

"On behalf of our Board of Directors and the entire U.S. cricket community, I also want to thank the ICC and the other 104-member countries for your faith in us to deliver on the nearly limitless potential for cricket in the United States. We do not take this responsibility lightly and pledge to lead this great game with the integrity, passion and tireless work ethic that is a foundation for global cricket."

(Inputs from ICC)

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 09 Jan, 2019

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