USA Cricket announced as ICC's 105th Member

USA Cricket's application to become the 93rd Associate Member was approved by ICC Members after recommendation from the Membership Committee last year.

USA Cricket will be eligible to receive funding according to the ICC Development Funding Policy(Representative Image)- Getty Images

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today welcomed USA Cricket as its 105th Member, in what is a historical milestone for the governing body established in 2017 to unify and develop the cricket community in the United States after the expulsion of USACA.

USA Cricket’s application to become the 93rd Associate Member in accordance with the ICC Constitution was approved by ICC Members following the recommendation of the seven-member Membership Committee to the ICC Board late last year and is implemented with immediate effect.

As an Associate Member of the ICC, USA Cricket will be eligible to receive funding according to the ICC Development Funding Policy. The Board can also sanction domestic and international cricket in the United States.

A plan has also been agreed to ensure all obligations are transferred to the USA Cricket under the auspices of the USA Cricket Board of Directors this month. ICC Americas regional support programme had been managing the operations until now on a temporary basis.

ICC chief executive, David Richardson, said: "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."

USA cricket board chairman, Paraag Marathe, said: "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."