USA Cricket directors accuse chairman Venu Pisike of misconduct in email to ICC

USA cricket Team. (Photo Source: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Three directors of USA Cricket (USAC) have leveled serious accusations against the organization’s chairman, Venu Pisike. Kuljit Singh, Arjun Gona, and Patricia Whittaker have taken the extraordinary step of emailing the International Cricket Council (ICC) directly, alleging a range of unethical practices and false governance within USAC.

This explosive email comes at a critical time for USA Cricket, which has been under scrutiny from the apex cricketing authority. The global governing body had previously issued a suspension warning and imposed sanctions on the board. The allegations threaten to further upset the already fragile state of cricket administration in the United States.

The director’s email outlines a list of accusations against Pisike and his allies. Chief among these is the alleged wrongful termination of CEO Dr. Noor Murad, a move the directors claim was unauthorized and unethical.

They also paint a picture of a “toxic and pathetic” work environment, which has reportedly led to the departure of several key staff members, including Julie Abbott, Jamie Lloyd, Anand Patel, and Burt Cockley.

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USA Cricket blames Pisike has made unconstitutional appointments

The accusations also touch on the very integrity of USAC’s governance. The directors allege systemic corruption aimed at electoral gains, including voter disenfranchisement during constitutional amendments and biased selection of a membership management company to manipulate elections.

They also claim that Pisike has made unconstitutional appointments, bypassing proper procedures for key positions.

Financial impropriety is another major concern raised in the email. The directors accuse Pisike of financial opacity and misuse of legal funds. They also allege that efforts to resolve issues with American Cricket Enterprises (ACE), the owners of Major League Cricket, were deliberately sabotaged.

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The email doesn’t spare other board members either. Srini Salver, the male player director and chair of the cricket committee, faces accusations of conflicts of interest, corruption, and manipulating player selections for personal gain.