The application of USA Cricket to become the 93rd Associate member, in compliance with the ICC constitution, was accepted as per the recommendation of the seven-member Membership Committee to the ICC Board last year. In October 2018, USA Cricket had appointed Paraag Marathe, president of 49ers Enterprises and Executive Vice President of Football Operations for the 49ers, as the Chair of the Board.
As an Associate Member of the ICC, USA Cricket will be entitled to gain the necessary funding in conformity with the governing body's Development Funding Policy. The board can also authorise domestic and international cricket in the United States.
A plan has also been put in place to ensure all the obligations are smoothly transferred to USA Cricket at Cricket Board of Directors later this month. ICC Americas regional support programme, which supervises cricket in North and South America and the Caribbean islands, was managing the operations on a temporary basis.
ICC Chief Executive, David Richardson said: "This is the culmination of a great deal of hard work and I would like to congratulate the Chair of USA Cricket, Paraag Marathe, and the Board, on this important milestone and wish them all the very best for the future.
USA Cricket Board Chair, Marathe said: "USA Cricket was established to bring together the cricket community in the United States, develop the game and unlock the sport's undoubted potential for growth. Today's confirmation that it is the ICC's newest Member is a significant staging post on that journey.
"As David mentioned, this recognition is not just the work of our Board but is a result of thousands of volunteer hours over the last 18 months and USA Cricket appreciates the time, effort and sacrifice of all those involved.
"On behalf of our Board of Directors and the entire U.S. cricket community, I also want to thank the ICC and the other 104-member countries for your faith in us to deliver on the nearly limitless potential for cricket in the United States. We do not take this responsibility lightly and pledge to lead this great game with the integrity, passion and tireless work ethic that is a foundation for global cricket."