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USA cricket in trouble as ICC considers suspension: reports

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly preparing to take stern action against USA Cricket (USAC) as the governing body’s 12-month notice period for governance reforms nears its end, according to international media.

The notice, issued in July 2024, came after the ICC flagged serious concerns over USAC’s internal structure, ranging from a lack of transparency and operational inefficiencies to persistent governance lapses.

In response, the ICC had appointed a normalisation committee tasked with steering USAC back to stability.

However, sources within the global body suggest that little tangible progress has been made over the past year, raising the possibility of a suspension.

“There’s been more resistance than reform,” one unnamed ICC official was quoted as saying. “We’ve provided ample time and support. The lack of progress is no longer acceptable.”

The official’s comments reflect growing frustration within the ICC over USAC’s inability, or unwillingness, to implement the necessary structural changes.

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According to reports, internal resistance within the USAC board and ineffective leadership have repeatedly hampered the committee’s efforts.

Earlier this month, an ICC delegation visited Los Angeles for urgent meetings with officials from the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and members of the normalisation committee.

The visit was described as a last-ditch effort to assess whether the USA cricket board had taken any meaningful steps toward reform.

During the meetings, ICC officials reportedly underlined that governance overhaul is non-negotiable, especially with cricket’s return to the Olympic stage looming at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

While no official decision has been made yet, insiders say the clock is ticking. A final verdict is expected ahead of the ICC’s Annual Conference next month, where failure to demonstrate clear leadership reforms could result in USAC’s suspension from the global cricketing community.

READ: Azhar Mahmood appointed as Pakistan’s red-ball head coach

USA’s Milind Kumar rewrites ODI history with record-breaking performance

LAUDERHILL: United States of America (USA) all-rounder Milind Kumar etched his name into the record books with a stellar performance against Oman.

Set to chase a 267-run target, the USA lost the match in the super over despite Milind Kumar’s valiant knock here in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2.

Earlier, Oman’s innings folded on 266 in 49.4, thanks to a fine century from Jatinder Sindh.

Milind Kumar’s performance was the highlight of the match as he took a five-wicket haul and scored 68 in his record-breaking performance.

With this performance, he became the first player from the USA and the 25th overall to score a half-century and took five wickets in a single ODI.

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One of the standout records is his all-round performance, currently reflected in his ODI batting average of 60.36 with a minimum of 500 runs scored.

Additionally, he boasts an impressive bowling average of 16.08 along with 20 wickets taken. His average difference—a rough measure of all-round quality—stands at 44.28, which is the highest in the history of ODI cricket.

Milind Kumar has so far represented the USA in 16 ODIs, amassing 664 runs with the help of two centuries and four half-centuries. He also has 25 wickets to his name with a strike rate of 21.3

Player	Team(s)	Matches	Bat. Avg.	Bowl. Avg.	Avg. Difference
Milind Kumar	USA	16	60.36	16.08	44.28
Ryan ten Doeschate	Netherlands	33	67.00	24.12	42.87
Brandon McMullen	Scotland	31	48.73	20.82	27.91
Azmatullah Omarzai	Afghanistan	39	46.95	30.05	16.90
Gerhard Erasmus	Namibia	60	39.87	24.00	15.87
Kane Williamson	New Zealand	173	49.21	35.40	13.81
Jacques Kallis	Africa/ICC/South Africa	328	44.36	31.79	12.56
Aqib Ilyas	Oman	32	44.07	31.73	12.33
Darren Lehmann	Australia	117	38.96	27.78	11.17
Viv Richards	West Indies	187	47.00	35.83	11.16

The Delhi-born Milind Kumar has been part of the Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bengaluru squads in the Indian Premier League (IPL), however, he never featured in the playing XI.

Later on, he moved to the USA, featuring Minor League Cricket before making his international debut in April 2024.

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USA break India’s record for lowest defended total

The United States of America (USA) broke the 40-year-old record of India for the lowest successfully defended total in a full men’s ODI match, beating Oman by 57 runs on Tuesday.

The USA posted a paltry total of 122 in Al Amerat but bowled out the hosts for 65 in a match dominated by spin. The previous record was India’s 125 against Pakistan in 1985 when they won by 38 runs in Sharjah.

The fixture between the USA and Oman was dominated by spin. All nine bowlers used in the game were spinners, making it the first completed men’s ODI ever – after 4671 matches – without a single ball bowled by a fast bowler.

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The 19 wickets that fell to spin matched the ODI record set in a 2011 match between Bangladesh and Pakistan. The other wicket was a runout.

United States of America (USA) left-arm spinner Nosthush Kenjige led the bowling with 5-11 from 7.3 overs.

USA and Oman scored only 187 runs in 61 overs, the second-lowest aggregate in an ODI where both teams were dismissed. The 41-over game between India and Bangladesh in 2014 averaged 163 runs.

The dominance of spinners and low totals have been a trend at Al Amerat in this tournament, especially in games involving the hosts, Oman. Teams batting first have been dismissed for fewer than 170 in all eight of Oman’s matches, while the other four games had 240-plus totals.

In the previous match at Al Amerat on Sunday, Oman lost eight wickets in their chase of 96 against Namibia. JJ Smit was the only fast bowler in that game who bowled an over. Three of the four men’s ODIs where spinners took 17 or more wickets have been at Al Amerat.

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Former pacer confident USA can beat Pakistan again

Former pacer Mohammad Asif has made a bold prediction that the United States of America (USA) will defeat Pakistan again in the next edition of the ICC T20 World Cup in 2026.

The USA recently handed Pakistan a shocking defeat in the T20 World Cup 2024, which was their first-ever appearance at a major ICC event.

Mohammad Asif, during an appearance on a local YouTube podcast, expressed a strong belief that the way Pakistan is playing lately, they can lose to the USA once again.

“We lost to the USA, who were playing in the T20 World Cup for the first time. They didn’t even qualify, they played because they were the hosts,” Asif said.

“The way the situation is going at this moment, the USA will beat Pakistan in the next World Cup, in 2026. I’ll guarantee you that,” he predicted.

The former pacer suggested that the Pakistan cricket team requires a fresh approach with a new captain, coach, and a comprehensive long-term strategy ahead of the next T20 World Cup.

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“Before the 2026 World Cup, we have to change the captain, coach and the players. There needs to be planning for the two years that this is the team, this is the 20 players we want to work with. But we are repeating the same things, which is why I am telling you this,” he suggested.

Notably, Pakistan had a disastrous start to their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign courtesy of the aforementioned shock loss against the USA.

The Green Shirts lost the game in the Super Over as they failed to chase down the 19-run target. Senior pacer Mohammad Amir bowled the Super Over for Pakistan and conceded 18 runs. In response, the Green Shirts only managed 13/1.

Following the defeat against the USA, Pakistan succumbed to a frustrating six-run defeat against arch-rivals India.

The back-to-back defeats put Pakistan on the verge of an early exit from the tournament. The former champions got on the winning track when they registered a hard-fought seven-wicket victory over Canada to keep Super Eights hopes alive.

However, the USA’s match against Ireland was abandoned without a ball bowled due to persistent rain in Florida, resulting in Pakistan getting knocked out of the tournament.

READ: Babar Azam suffers steep decline, Rizwan makes big leap in ICC Test Rankings

Saif Badar ready to represent Pakistan despite moving to USA

Sialkot-born middle-order batter Saif Badar has claimed that he is willing to play for Pakistan if an opportunity arises, despite moving to the United States of America (USA).

Badar represented Pakistan in the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2016, held in Bangladesh. Star all-rounder Shadab Khan was also part of the Pakistan squad, which finished in fifth position.

The middle-order batter also played for Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises Islamabad United and Multan Sultans before relocating to the USA in 2022 to pursue better opportunities.

Recently during an interview with a local sports outlet, he justified his decision highlighting the lack of chances in Pakistan.

“My goal is to play as much cricket as possible and continue improving as a player. Moving from Pakistan to the USA was about seeking more opportunities to play the sport,” said Badar.

“Pakistan boasts a rich cricketing heritage and a well-established system. In contrast, the USA is still developing its cricket culture as it isn’t traditionally a cricketing nation.

“However, I’m optimistic about the investments being made in USA cricket, which will certainly lead to improvements.”

He recently participated in Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024, representing Los Angeles Knight Riders, a franchise co-owned by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.

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The 26-year-old batter mentioned that he is a fan of the Indian superstar and had hoped to meet him during MLC, but his wish wasn’t fulfilled this year.

“I’m a huge fan of Shah Rukh Khan, so I was hoping to meet him in person during the season, although he couldn’t make it. Hopefully, there’s a chance next season,” he shared.

He revealed that his decision to relocate to the USA was driven by a desire to pursue new opportunities. Furthermore, he expressed his eagerness to embrace the possibility of playing in the prestigious Indian Premier League (IPL) if given the chance.

“My move to the USA is primarily about enhancing my opportunities. If the chance arises, any player would welcome it. Right now, my focus is on personal improvement. We’ll see what the future holds,” he added.

The young batter was questioned about the potential of receiving a call-up from the Pakistan national team, similar to Usman Khan.

He stated that his primary focus at the moment is on advancing his career in the USA. However, he expressed that if the chance were to arise, it would be a dream come true for him to represent Pakistan in cricket.

“Playing for Pakistan has always been a dream since I started cricket. Currently based in the USA, I’m focused on playing here. While I don’t anticipate a call-up, if the opportunity arises, representing Pakistan would be an honour no one would turn down,” he concluded.

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Babar Azam returns to Pakistan from USA

Pakistan’s white-ball captain Babar Azam returned to Pakistan earlier this morning after a disastrous ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign in the United States of America (USA).

He reached Lahore from New York after a brief layover in Dubai.

The star batter did not return to the country with the team after getting knocked out from the mega-event in order to spend time with his family in the USA.

He is expected to meet the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi and discuss the reasons for the team’s dismal performance in the tournament.

It is worth mentioning here that Babar Azam has been under hot water following the national men’s team’s early exit from the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024.

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Pakistan had a disastrous start to their campaign as they suffered a shock loss against the co-host United States of America (USA) after a Super Over.

The 2009 champions then succumbed to a gut-wrenching defeat at the hands of arch-rivals India at a jam-packed Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on June 9.

The back-to-back defeats put Pakistan on the verge of an early exit and despite their victories over Canada and Ireland, they failed to reach the Super Eights stage.

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‘They took us lightly’ Ali Khan reflects on USA’s T20 World Cup win over Pakistan

The United States of America (USA) pace bowler Ali Khan has reflected on his side’s stunning victory over Pakistan during the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, questioning the batting intent of the Green Shirts.

Former champions Pakistan had a disastrous start to their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign as they endured a shock loss against the USA in the Super Over as they failed to chase down the 19-run target.

Senior pacer Mohammad Amir bowled the Super Over for Pakistan and conceded 18 runs. In response, the Green Shirts only managed 13/1.

Ali Khan, who picked one wicket for 30 runs against Pakistan, stated that the USA team had more self-belief, which led to the famous victory.

“Our belief was bigger than them. I think Pakistan took us lightly. It was their first game, and they hadn’t played on that ground before while we’ve played there often,” Khan said while talking on a YouTube channel.

The pacer also criticized Pakistan’s batting approach and raised questions over their intent, especially in the powerplay.

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“We were used to the conditions. When they started batting, we didn’t see intent from them, and they batted very slowly in the powerplay. Yes, Rizwan got out early but we didn’t see much intent after that. Fakhar Zaman hit a six and showed some intent but luckily I got him out. Pakistan didn’t play attacking cricket there and went into their shell,” he added.

Following the defeat against USA, Pakistan succumbed to a frustrating six-run defeat against arch-rivals India.

However, USA’s match against Ireland was abandoned without a ball bowled due to persistent rain in Florida, resulting in Pakistan getting knocked out of the tournament as USA progressed from Group A along with India.

Pakistan then edged past Ireland in another stiff challenge to bow out of the T20 World Cup 2024 with a win.

READ: Usman Khawaja regrets not seeing Afghanistan play in Australia

West Indies crush USA to keep their semi-final hopes alive

BRIDGETOWN: A combined bowling performance followed by Shai Hope’s whirlwind knock of 82 runs to help West Indies thump the United States of America (USA) in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 clash here on Friday.

Chasing a modest 129-run target, the West Indies showed a dominant performance and achieved the target with 55 balls to spare after losing one wicket.

Hope gave his team a strong start with his attacking approach, while Johnson Charles supported him from the other end, playing an anchor role.

West Indies raised 58 runs in the powerplay with Hope scoring 42 and Charles scoring 15 off 13.

Hope completed his half-century in 26 balls with a six off Harmeet Singh, however, Charles fell in the same over.

Nicholas Pooran joined Hope and West Indies wreaked havoc from both ends as they raised an unbeaten 63-run partnership to lead their side to a thumping win.

With 19 required off 10 overs, Pooran struck Saurabh Netravalkar for two sixes, before Hope finished the game with a six off the fifth ball of the over.

Pooran scored a 12-ball 27 with the help of three sixes and one four, while Hope scored a scintillating 82 off 39 balls, laced with four boundaries and eight sixes.

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Earlier, Andre Russell drew first blood for West Indies after they opted to bowl first, dismissing Steven Taylor (2) in the second over.

Andries Gous was then joined by Nitish Kumar and together they added 48 runs for the second wicket before Gudakesh Motie struck right after the powerplay.

Kumar scored 20 off 19 before he got out LBW off Motie in the seventh over.

Alzarri Joseph then dismissed Gous, who top-scored with 29 runs from 16 balls, to reduce USA to 60-3 in the next over.

Roston Chase then dismissed the USA captain Aaron Jones, who scored a run-a-ball 11. The all-rounder then removed Corey Anderson (7) and Harmeet Singh (0) on back-to-back deliveries in the 14th over to leave the USA reeling.

Milind Kumar (19) and Shadley van Schalkwyk (18) showed some resistance against West Indies bowlers to drag the team’s total to 112 before they both fell in the 18th over.

Ali Khan then hit an unbeaten 14 off 6 before Russell picked the final wicket of Saurabh Netravalkar to wrap USA innings at 128 in 19.5 overs.

For West Indies, Russell and Chase returned with figures of 3-31 and 3-19 respectively, while Joseph picked two wickets.

READ: Shaheen Afridi will get Pakistan captaincy again: Wasim Akram

West Indies win toss, choose to bowl first against USA

BRIDGETOWN: West Indies have won the toss and elected to field first against the United States of America (USA) in the Super Eights clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 here at Kensington Oval on Friday.

PLAYING XIs

USA: Steven Taylor, Andries Gous (wk), Nitish Kumar, Aaron Jones (c), Corey Anderson, Milind Kumar, Harmeet Singh, Nosthush Kenjinge, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Ali Khan, Saurabh Netravalkar

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West Indies: Shai Hope, Johnson Charles, Nicolas Pooran (wk), Roston Chase, Rovman Powell (c), Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Obed McCoy, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie

READ: Shaheen Afridi will get Pakistan captaincy again: Wasim Akram

Brian Lara picks USA over Pakistan to qualify for T20 World Cup Super 8

West Indies’ great Brian Lara has backed the United States of America (USA) instead of Pakistan to qualify for the Super 8 of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024.

The Men in Green are relying on the results of other teams after they lost two out of their three games in the group stage of the marque event.

The Babar Azam-led Pakistan faced USA, the co-hosts of the T20 World Cup 2024, in their opening game and were handed a shocking defeat in the super over.

In their second game, Pakistan faced another heartbreak as they failed to chase down the 120-run target set by arch-rivals India in New York on June 9.

However, they kept their hopes alive by defeating Canada on June 11.

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Reacting to the qualification scenarios of the team, Brian Lara said that Pakistan had a chance to qualify for the next round, however, he is backing the USA to join India in the Super 8s from Group A.

“Of course mathematically they (Pakistan) have a chance. I think the USA just got to take care of a win in their last game, they do that and they qualify,” he added.

“But we’re hoping that they get to win plus the USA lose their game. So my money is on the USA, I think they’re full of confidence and they would want to make it to the Super 8 that will be so huge, historic for US cricket,” the former West Indian batter said.

Babar Azam’s men are set to take on Ireland on June 16 in their last group-stage game.

They will not only need to defeat Ireland but also hope that the USA, who are second in Group A standings, lose their game.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super 8 round of the T20 World Cup 2024.

READ: Florida’s weather casts dark shadow on Pakistan’s fate in T20 World Cup