Washington: The filing came just minutes before a scheduled court hearing against American Cricket Enterprises (ACE) on September 30, 2025, dramatically halting proceedings in a contractual battle that threatens to derail the sport’s fragile growth in the United States ahead of its Olympic return.

The bankruptcy, detailed in court documents, underscores the depth of USA Cricket’s governance crisis. With unsecured claims topping half a million dollars, the board still holds roughly $250,000 in its accounts. Critics argue the filing was premature, possibly strategic, as the organization faces mounting scrutiny. Current player contracts, including those of senior internationals earning around $60,000 annually, are now under Chapter 11 protection, raising fears of delayed payments or renegotiations just months before the T20 World Cup.

The flashpoint came after USA Cricket terminated its commercial partnership with ACE in August, accusing the firm of defaulting on obligations such as player and staff payments. ACE, which has invested more than $150 million in U.S. cricket since 2019, rejected the claims, countering that it had exceeded contractual commitments and accusing the board of “politics and personal agendas.” The fallout has fueled turmoil across U.S. cricket, especially since the ICC suspended USA Cricket’s membership on September 22 over governance failures, though national teams remain eligible for global tournaments including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The dispute has further fractured USA Cricket’s leadership. Director Anj Balusu’s recent recall left the nine-member board split 4–4, complicating decisions at a time of crisis. Both the ICC and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee have urged the entire board to resign in favor of reforms, appeals resisted by Chairman Venu Pisike’s faction.