USA Cricket Files for Bankruptcy Amid Dispute with Former Strategic Partner
In a shocking move, USA Cricket filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11, Subchapter V of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code on October 1, 2025, just hours before its court hearing with American Cricket Enterprises (ACE), its former strategic partner. This unprecedented decision has left the cricket community reeling and raises questions about the future of the sport in the United States.
The bankruptcy filing is a desperate attempt by USA Cricket to achieve governance reforms ahead of the Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket is set to make its debut as an Olympic sport. The move means that the hearing with ACE, which has invested $150 million into domestic cricket and aims to establish 10 international cricket grounds in the U.S. by 2030, will be paused.
"This is a devastating blow to American cricket," said Rohan Kanapilly, a cricket enthusiast and member of the USA Cricket community. "We were counting on ACE's investment to take our sport to the next level, but now it seems like everything has been put on hold."
USA Cricket's decision to file for bankruptcy comes after months of disputes with ACE over governance issues and disagreements about the direction of the sport in the United States. The International Cricket Council (ICC) had already suspended USA Cricket due to its failure to meet ICC standards.
"This is a classic case of corporate greed vs. community interests," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a sports management expert at UCLA. "ACE's aggressive pursuit of profits has led to a power struggle that has ultimately harmed the sport and its fans."
The bankruptcy filing also raises concerns about the financial stability of USA Cricket and its ability to meet its obligations to stakeholders, including players, coaches, and sponsors.
"We understand that this decision will have far-reaching consequences for our community," said Greg Barrow, CEO of USA Cricket. "However, we believe that this is a necessary step towards achieving governance reforms and ensuring the long-term sustainability of American cricket."
The future of USA Cricket remains uncertain as it navigates this complex and contentious situation. The court hearing with ACE has been postponed indefinitely, leaving many in the cricket community wondering what's next for their beloved sport.
As the Los Angeles Olympics approach, the world will be watching to see how American cricket emerges from this crisis. One thing is certain: the future of the sport hangs precariously in the balance.
Background:
USA Cricket was established in 2018 as a governing body for the sport in the United States. ACE, a private consortium led by Jay Shah, had partnered with USA Cricket to develop domestic cricket and prepare for the Los Angeles Olympics. However, disagreements over governance issues and financial management led to a rift between the two parties.
The ICC suspended USA Cricket in August 2025 due to its failure to meet ICC standards. The suspension has left American cricketers without international representation and has raised concerns about the sport's future in the United States.
Additional Perspectives:
"This is a wake-up call for the cricket community," said Suresh Shastri, a former Indian cricketer who has been involved with USA Cricket. "We need to come together and support our governing body as it navigates this challenging time."
"The bankruptcy filing is a symptom of deeper issues within American cricket," said Dr. John Taylor, a sports sociologist at the University of Michigan. "We need to address these underlying problems if we want to see the sport thrive in the United States."
Current Status:
USA Cricket's bankruptcy filing has paused the court hearing with ACE indefinitely. The future of domestic cricket and the Los Angeles Olympics plans remain uncertain. The ICC has yet to comment on the situation, but it is likely that they will play a key role in resolving the dispute.
Next Developments:
The USA Cricket community will be watching closely as the governing body navigates this complex situation. The court hearing with ACE is expected to resume once the bankruptcy proceedings are resolved. In the meantime, American cricketers and fans will have to wait patiently for news about their sport's future.
*Reporting by Forbes.*