USA Cricket directors write to ICC, accusing chairman of corruption and favoritism

USA Cricket (USAC) directors Kuljit Singh, Arjun Gona, and Patricia Whittaker have made severe and detailed accusations of corruption and harassment against USAC chairman Venu Pisike in an email to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

According to a report from Cricbuzz, the allegations include the 'unethical' termination of CEO Dr. Noor Murad, creating a 'toxic and pathetic' environment, 'suppressing' directors' rights, 'unconstitutional' appointments, and 'misgovernance' charges. They also accuse Pisike and his 'allies' on the board of 'systemic corruption' for electoral gains and lack of transparency, among other charges.

"We, as minority members, are being cornered and pressured to step down, with veiled threats suggesting that more aggressive measures could be taken against us if we do not comply," a statement in the email read (via Cricbuzz).

They also mentioned that dissenting voices were constantly sniffled in the board by keeping them muted, alleging that staff members like Julie Abbott, Jamie LLoyd, Anand Patel, and Burt Cockley were coerced to retire using similar 'tactics.'

"They are manipulating the system" - USA directors' accusations

The authors also alleged that some of the appointments to the board were made based on 'personal relationships' after bypassing the rules. They said the board has given crucial contracts to the companies owned by the friends of the USAC chairman Venu Pisike.

"This systemic corruption and unethical behaviour clearly indicates that they are manipulating the system to secure their future positions on the board, with little regard for promoting diversity or expanding membership," the statement read.

They also accused Pisike of 'sabotaging' efforts to resolve the disputes with the Major League Cricket (MLC) and favoritism against players who moved to America on MLC-sponsored visas for selections in the national team.

The email came hours after the ICC's three-day annual board meeting in Colombo where USA cricket was already under the scanner.