February 15, 2025

USA Cricket today announced the commencement of the election process to fill three Board of Director positions, alongside a series of governance changes designed to enhance athlete representation and further align with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) standards. These steps mark a continued commitment to building a stronger, more transparent, and more athlete-focused organization.

Following governance reviews, the Board of Directors has undergone changes, including the removal of three director positions, effective as of the December 2024 USA Cricket Board meeting. The impacted positions include:

· Kuljit Singh-Nijjar, Individual Director

· Arjun Gona, Individual Director

· Patricia Whittaker, Independent Director

Additionally, David Haubert, an incumbent Independent Director, has been recommended for reappointment by the Board of Directors. The Nominating and Governance Committee is currently in process of reviewing the recommendation for reappointment.

With these changes, USA Cricket is now moving forward with a structured election process to ensure the continued representation of key stakeholders within the organization.

Election Process for Individual Directors

The Individual Director positions on the Board play a critical role in shaping the direction of USA Cricket. These individuals represent the broader cricketing community and bring expertise that strengthens governance, development initiatives, and operational oversight.

Eligibility to vote in this election is extended to all registered and eligible individual members of USA Cricket. Candidates must meet constitutional requirements, demonstrating significant contributions to the sport.

The peer review period will precede the formal application and election of directors. The peer review timeline for Individual Directors is as follows:

· February 15, 2025 – Announcement of elections and membership review process.

· February 16-March 1, 2025 – Member data published for peer review.

· March 1-10, 2025 – Player data peer review period.

· March 10, 2025 – Completion of member data audit.

USA Cricket Chairman Venu Pisike emphasized the importance of this process, stating: “These elections are an opportunity to ensure that USA Cricket is guided by individuals who are passionate about the sport’s growth and committed to upholding the principles of strong governance and inclusivity. We look forward to welcoming new Board members who will help drive the future of cricket in the U.S.”

Appointment Process for Independent Director Position

USA Cricket is also seeking applications for a Female Independent Director position, a crucial role in bringing external governance expertise and a fresh perspective to the organization.

Candidates for this position should have demonstrated leadership experience in sports governance, business, or other relevant fields, and a commitment to furthering the growth and professionalism of cricket in the U.S.

The selection timeline for the Independent Director position is:

· February 15, 2025 – Notification sent requesting applications.

· February 15-24, 2025 – Application submission period.

· March 31, 2025 – Expected completion of the selection process.

USA Cricket NGC representative, Nisarg Patel, highlighted the importance of this position, stating: “The addition of a Female Independent Director will ensure that our Board continues to reflect diverse perspectives and expertise. We are eager to attract a highly qualified individual who will contribute to the continued success and governance of USA Cricket.”

Strengthening Athlete Representation

In alignment with USOPC guidelines, USA Cricket has revised its Constitution to ensure 33% athlete representation at both the Board level and across all designated committees. This significant change further empowers athletes in decision-making processes and strengthens their role in shaping the future of the sport.

The USA Cricket Board will now feature four Athlete Director positions, elected exclusively by international players who have represented the United States. Two of these athletes will also serve as primary and alternate representatives to the USOPC Athlete’s Commission (USOPC AC), ensuring a direct voice for cricket athletes within the broader Olympic and Paralympic movement.

Additionally, USA Cricket will establish an Athlete’s Advisory Council (USAC AAC), which will work similarly to the USOPC AC but specifically for USA Cricket. This council will oversee athlete appointments to various USA Cricket committees and serve as an advisory body on key issues impacting players.

Upcoming Athlete Elections

Three separate elections will take place to ensure robust athlete representation:

Election 1: Two Athlete Director positions will be filled. These directors will also serve as USOPC AC primary and alternate representatives and will be members of the USAC AAC.

Election 2: To fill remaining open positions on the USAC AAC.

Election 3: A final election for Two additional Athlete Director positions

The athlete election process will begin following a USOPC review of USAC’s athlete eligibility criteria.

Constitutional amendments may be required to complete the AAC set up, if so, notice will be circulated to eligible members for constitutional amendment approval.

Venu Pisike further emphasized: “Athletes are at the heart of USA Cricket, and these changes reflect our commitment to ensuring their voices are heard at every level of governance. By establishing a stronger athlete representation structure, we are setting the foundation for long-term success and inclusivity.”

Commitment to a Transparent and Inclusive Future

With these governance enhancements and upcoming elections, USA Cricket remains dedicated to fostering a transparent, athlete-focused, and sustainable future for the sport in the United States.

As the election process progresses, USA Cricket will continue to provide updates to ensure all members remain informed and engaged.

For more details and updates on the election process, visit USA Cricket’s official website.

FOR ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE REACH OUT TO:

Email: media@usacricket.org 

ABOUT USA CRICKET

USA Cricket is the National Federation for cricket in the United States as recognized by the International Cricket Council. USA Cricket’s mission is to govern, regulate, develop and promote all forms of cricket at all levels in the United States, and to enable U.S. cricketers to achieve sustained competitive excellence and successfully compete in national and international competition. Through a diverse Board of Directors that has representation from most cricket stakeholder groups, USA Cricket will lead the sport to new heights by creating and administering value added programs to grow and develop the sport.