ICC outlines process for formation of new USA Board

The International Cricket Council, on Friday (June 23), produced a draft to oversee the formation of a new body for cricket in the USA and also added that all cricket-related activities will continue during the process of incorporating a new board.

The governing body's Full Member Council, on Thursday, had decided to expel United States of America Cricket Association. The decision to remove USACA was taken after a Dispute Resolution Committee hearing that ended last week.

The Sustainable Foundation Advisory Group consisting members from across the cricketing family in the USA, will collaborate with the ICC Americas team to draw up a future governance structure, and underlying guidelines for cricket in the USA. It will also administer the game until the the formation of the new Board.

The blueprint for cricket in USA includes a 'membership data base', taking into consideration the entire cricketing fraternity of the country, which in turn will form the groundwork for the electorate that will select the new Board next year. Individuals, clubs and leagues will be considered in the membership.

A transparent election procedure will be developed. A Nominating and Governance Committee will also be formed to determine suitable Independent directors to form the new Board in order to ensure that USA Cricket will again start functioning by at least April 2018. The new Governing Body, however, has to be ratified by the ICC at next year's Full Council meeting.

'USA roadshow' will also be held to ensure the entire cricketing community in the USA gets to know about the plans in place for the smooth running of the game in the country.

Meanwhile, the ICC board decided to allow USA cricket teams to continue to participate in different ICC event structures in order to not penalise the cricketers and for the sport to flourish in the country.

"We do not take the expulsion of any member lightly, but we have been through a robust two year process to reach this point with the full support of all of our members," David Richardson, ICC's chief executive said.

"Our focus now is on getting a new governing body incorporated and up and running as soon as we can. I am grateful to the Sustainable Foundation Advisory Group for their continued support and commitment to the unification of the cricket community in the USA. They will now provide guidance in the transition period. All USA cricket teams will continue to play and will be focused on qualification for both the men's and women's World T20 and the Under 19 Cricket World Cup," he added

Imran Khawaja appointed Deputy Chairman of ICC

During the meeting, Chairman of Associates Imran Khawaja was also unanimously appointed as the Deputy Chairman of the ICC Board. Khawaja is set to deputise for Chairman Shashank Manohar as and when Manohar won't be able to fulfil his responsibilities.

"It is a great honour to be elected Deputy Chairman especially whilst wearing the hat of an Associate. I am also privileged to be part of the working group to have authored and reinvented the ICC constitution to make it one of the most inclusive, transparent and merit based sports governing bodies in the world.

"I have no doubts that a new era is dawning on our great game which will see not only a more vibrant membership but also a competition structure that sees cricket played at the highest level," Khawaja said.