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ICC Banned USA National Cricket League
ICC Banned USA National Cricket League
The NCL had attempted to generate excitement by appointing high-profile ambassadors like Wasim Akram and Vivian Richard.
After completing the year of introducing strict rules for approving T20 and T10 Leagues globally, ICC has now taken serious action against the USA's National Cricket League (NCL) for breaking team selection rules. By writing a letter to USA Cricket (USAC), ICC announced its decision that it would not approve the leagues for future editions. The main reasons cited were the failure to follow the rule requiring seven USAC-affiliated or associate players in the eleven playing games and the violation of sanctioning regulations, which the NCL organisers were aware of before the event.
The NCL tried to generate excitement in the cricket community by bringing in known names like Wasim Akram and Vivian Richards as ambassadors. Not only that it also made headlines by announcing the names of legends Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar in its ownership group. However, despite its star power, the league struggled with operational issues from the start. In its letter, the ICC pointed out problems both "on and off the pitch."
In addition to breaking the rule requiring seven USAC-affiliated or associate players in the team—fielding 6-7 foreign players multiple times—the league faced criticism for poor-quality pitches at its temporary venues. These conditions were so unsafe that fast bowlers like Wahab Riaz and Tymal Mills had to bowl spin to avoid injuring the batsmen.
Generally, to sponsor a sports category it will cost around USD 200,000 for an American Cricket Tournament which can be around six teams. It was also confirmed that not all players entered the USA with valid sports visas to participate in the tournament. Lacking a clear revenue model to support its operations, the decision to skip proper visa filings appeared to be less of an error and more of a deliberate cost-cutting move.
The USA has become a key hub for emerging T20 and T10 leagues, driven by the financial backing of the South Asian diaspora keen to connect with the sport. The presence of nearly 60 first-class and international cricketers in the American cricket setup makes it easier to establish quick-fix leagues. The USA accounts for the highest number of T20/T10 league sanctioning applications on the ICC's desk. An ICC official has acknowledged plans for a major overhaul of the governing body's sanctioning process in the near future.
USAC appears to have taken the ICC's warnings about the NCL seriously, as it has chosen not to sanction the US Open T20—a long-running weekend tournament with a history spanning over 10 years. While the reasons for the disapproval are unclear, it seems to be part of a broader ICC effort to reset global standards for league sanctioning.
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