Shocking news has hit U.S. cricket: USA Cricket has ended its partnership with American Cricket Enterprises (ACE), the group behind Major League Cricket.
The two sides had signed a 50-year agreement in 2019, but just six years later, the deal has been scrapped.
The partnership was supposed to transform cricket in America by building a professional T20 league, developing infrastructure, and driving commercial growth.
Instead, USA Cricket has pulled the plug, citing “material breaches” of the agreement. ACE strongly denies these claims and is preparing to challenge the decision in arbitration.
Why This Deal Mattered
When ACE first entered the picture, it promised to create a proper cricket ecosystem in the U.S. — one that would bring in revenue, develop competitions, and provide USA Cricket with financial security.
For a country still finding its place on the global cricket map, the agreement seemed like a lifeline.
That lifeline, however, has now been cut.
What Went Wrong?
According to USA Cricket, the decision came down to “multiple material breaches.”
While the details remain unclear, reports suggest months of frustration, disagreements, and boardroom clashes built up behind the scenes.
The board itself was divided, with some members pushing hard for termination while others resisted.
What is clear is that the partnership was falling far short of expectations.
The timing could not be more sensitive. The U.S. has just co-hosted the 2024 T20 World Cup, and with cricket returning to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the sport has a rare chance to grow on American soil.
Instead of stability, however, the breakup has left USA Cricket with new uncertainty.
What This Means Going Forward
The biggest concern now is money. Without ACE’s financial backing, USA Cricket faces serious strain.
Player development programs, domestic competitions, and even international tours could be affected.
Some insiders have warned that, without new investment, the organisation could face severe financial trouble, with “bankruptcy” even being mentioned as a risk.
On the other hand, the split may also serve as a reset button.
It opens the door to new investors, more transparent governance, and partnerships that align better with USA Cricket’s vision for the future.
Major League Cricket, organised and run by ACE, is expected to continue operating, but its sanctioning and long-term alignment with USA Cricket could be affected by the dispute.
Final Word
This is not the end of cricket in America, but it is, without doubt, a turning point.
Fans, players, and stakeholders now want clarity and a clear roadmap forward.
With the U.S. fresh off hosting a World Cup and cricket set to make its Olympic return in Los Angeles, the spotlight on American cricket has never been brighter.
The ball is firmly in USA Cricket’s court. The decisions made now will determine whether this breakup becomes a new beginning — or the start of a deeper crisis.
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