Admin July 29, 2024
NEW DELHI: USA Cricket has appointed Jonathan Atkeison as its Chief Executive Officer, effective August 1. This move aims to address mandatory requirements set by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to retain its status as an ICC Associate nation and potentially achieve National Governing Body (NGB) status for inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The ICC previously issued a notice to USA Cricket for lacking a CEO and failing to comply with governance norms set by the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC).
In an interview with Cricbuzz, USA Cricket chairman Venu Pisike discussed the ICC’s notice of suspension, the adoption of USOPC guidelines, internal board issues, and allegations of conflict of interest and corruption. He outlined several steps taken to address compliance issues, including timely submission of the 2023 audited financials and progress in hiring a CEO.”We are waiting for a written notice from the ICC CEO. However, we addressed several compliance issues and clarified inaccuracies before the AGM,” Pisike said. The chairman emphasized that the timely submission of the 2023 audited financials was a critical step, noting it was the first time in five years this requirement was met. There has also been progress in hiring a CEO and improving USOPC status.
The ICC’s term “fit for purpose” primarily referred to having an operational structure, Pisike explained. “We didn’t have a CEO for the last few months, but we are very close to making an announcement. This will solve the operational structure, and the CEO will take over immediately,” he added.
Addressing governance and internal issues, Pisike noted that accusations made by some USAC directors contributed to the problem. These directors bypassed proper processes, creating an impression of non-compliance with governance standards. “We have taken steps to fix that. The ICC has given us twelve months to demonstrate that we have an operational structure and proper governance,” he stated.
The chairman also highlighted some specific complaints from the ICC, pointing out minor and inaccurate issues. One such issue was the assumption that USAC did not have an accountant. “We did have a part-time consultant in 2023, and we engaged them full-time this year. The ICC assumed otherwise,” he clarified.
Discussing the USOPC NGB application process, Pisike acknowledged its long and complex nature. “There are several policies, including athlete safety, governance, and financial policies, that we need to adapt. We have already amended our constitution to incorporate athlete representation as required by the USOPC,” he said.
USA Cricket plans to increase board composition to include four player directors, ensuring 33% athlete representation. This change, along with the establishment of an Athlete Advisory Council, aims to align USAC with USOPC guidelines. Pisike noted that while these changes will take time, USA Cricket is committed to implementing them.
USA Cricket is taking significant steps to address ICC requirements and secure its future in international cricket and the Olympic Games. These efforts include appointing a CEO, amending governance structures, and ensuring compliance with both ICC and USOPC standards.
The ICC previously issued a notice to USA Cricket for lacking a CEO and failing to comply with governance norms set by the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC).
In an interview with Cricbuzz, USA Cricket chairman Venu Pisike discussed the ICC’s notice of suspension, the adoption of USOPC guidelines, internal board issues, and allegations of conflict of interest and corruption. He outlined several steps taken to address compliance issues, including timely submission of the 2023 audited financials and progress in hiring a CEO.”We are waiting for a written notice from the ICC CEO. However, we addressed several compliance issues and clarified inaccuracies before the AGM,” Pisike said. The chairman emphasized that the timely submission of the 2023 audited financials was a critical step, noting it was the first time in five years this requirement was met. There has also been progress in hiring a CEO and improving USOPC status.
The ICC’s term “fit for purpose” primarily referred to having an operational structure, Pisike explained. “We didn’t have a CEO for the last few months, but we are very close to making an announcement. This will solve the operational structure, and the CEO will take over immediately,” he added.
Addressing governance and internal issues, Pisike noted that accusations made by some USAC directors contributed to the problem. These directors bypassed proper processes, creating an impression of non-compliance with governance standards. “We have taken steps to fix that. The ICC has given us twelve months to demonstrate that we have an operational structure and proper governance,” he stated.
The chairman also highlighted some specific complaints from the ICC, pointing out minor and inaccurate issues. One such issue was the assumption that USAC did not have an accountant. “We did have a part-time consultant in 2023, and we engaged them full-time this year. The ICC assumed otherwise,” he clarified.
Discussing the USOPC NGB application process, Pisike acknowledged its long and complex nature. “There are several policies, including athlete safety, governance, and financial policies, that we need to adapt. We have already amended our constitution to incorporate athlete representation as required by the USOPC,” he said.
USA Cricket plans to increase board composition to include four player directors, ensuring 33% athlete representation. This change, along with the establishment of an Athlete Advisory Council, aims to align USAC with USOPC guidelines. Pisike noted that while these changes will take time, USA Cricket is committed to implementing them.
USA Cricket is taking significant steps to address ICC requirements and secure its future in international cricket and the Olympic Games. These efforts include appointing a CEO, amending governance structures, and ensuring compliance with both ICC and USOPC standards.
