USA and Canada remain suspended as ICC cautions France

Bangla Press Desk: The International Cricket Council (ICC) concluded its annual conference in Edinburgh, Scotland, on Friday after four days of meetings from 8 to 11 July, during which several key decisions were taken.

The ICC decided to maintain the suspension of the memberships of USA Cricket (USAC) and Cricket Canada. However, Mauritius has been admitted as the governing body's newest Associate Member.

The report said the possible reinstatement of USA Cricket, whose membership has been suspended since September 2025, was discussed during the conference. Despite cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, the ICC has opted to delay a final decision, preferring to allow more time before restoring the membership.

Although the report did not specify the ICC's concerns, it said Cricket Canada, which was suspended in June, has been instructed to resolve a number of internal governance issues before any reconsideration of its status. The possibility of a Canadian franchise joining Major League Cricket (MLC) was also discussed. The ICC also issued a warning to France Cricket.

The conference approved Associate Membership for the Mauritius Cricket Federation, increasing the ICC's total membership to 111 countries, comprising 12 Full Members and 99 Associate Members.

The annual conference also did not reach a decision on proposals to expand the World Test Championship from eight to 12 teams or to reduce One Day International cricket from 50 overs per side to 40 overs.