USA Cricket Appoints Jonathan Atkeison as CEO to Meet ICC and USOPC Requirements

USA Cricket has taken a crucial step towards retaining its status as an International Cricket Council (ICC) Associate nation by appointing Jonathan Atkeison as its Chief Executive Officer, effective August 1. The move comes after the ICC issued a notice to USA Cricket for failing to meet essential criteria, including the absence of a CEO and non-compliance with governance norms set by the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC).

Atkeison’s appointment is seen as a significant milestone in USA Cricket’s journey towards earning National Governing Body (NGB) status, which is necessary for inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The ICC had put USA Cricket “on notice” earlier this month for not meeting the required criteria, highlighting the urgency of addressing these issues.

With over 15 years of national governing body experience, Atkeison previously served as the Chief Operating Officer of USA Rugby, where he led the organization through a successful financial restructuring and a period of rapid growth. In a statement on USA Cricket’s website, Atkeison expressed his excitement about joining the team and his commitment to building a world-class organization to support cricket’s growth in the United States.

While Atkeison’s appointment is a positive development, USA Cricket still needs to fulfill governance norms set by the USOPC to fully comply with the ICC’s requirements. The organization must address these issues to secure its position as an ICC Associate nation and take advantage of the upcoming opportunity to showcase cricket in the LA28 Olympics.

The inclusion of cricket in the LA28 Olympics was approved during the International Olympic Committee’s 141st Session and Executive Board meeting last year, underscoring the significance of meeting ICC and USOPC requirements for USA Cricket. Atkeison’s appointment is a step in the right direction for the organization as it seeks to establish cricket’s presence in the American sporting landscape and capitalize on the growing momentum of the sport in the country.