USAC directors report harassment and corruption in email to ICC

In a strongly worded email to the International Cricket Council (ICC), USA Cricket (USAC) directors Kuljit Singh, Arjun Gona, and Patricia Whittaker have made serious accusations against chairman Venu Pisike and his supporters on the board. The email was sent following the ICC board meeting in Colombo, where the USA’s cricketing issues were discussed after receiving a suspension warning in March and sanctions involving controlled funding.

The directors, Singh and Gona, have sent several dissenting emails to the ICC, including this latest one co-authored with Whittaker. Their actions were cited as the main reason for their temporary suspension from USAC, announced on July 12. Previously, Pisike and another board member, Srini Salver, had sent a similar email to the ICC in 2021, pointing out mismanagement by other directors and requesting the ICC to remove USAC’s World Cup hosting rights.

The email lists several grave accusations against Pisike. These include the wrongful termination of CEO Dr. Noor Murad, creating a toxic work environment, and suppressing the rights of dissenting directors. They also allege unconstitutional appointments, corruption in elections, and a lack of transparency over legal expenses.

The email frequently mentions that dissenting voices were silenced during board meetings, with Singh, Gona, and Whittaker facing intimidation and pressure to resign. 

"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," the email stated. They also allege that attempts to remove Whittaker began in 2023, using legal funds from USAC to do so.

The directors claim that key staff members like Julie Abbott, Jamie Lloyd, Anand Patel, and Burt Cockley were forced out due to the toxic work environment created by certain board members. They also questioned the reappointment of independent director Pintoo Shah, which they say bypassed the Nomination and Governance Committee (NGC), and the elevation of Chris Lievsay as NGC chairman.

USAC attempted to amend its constitution in January to comply with US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) standards and strengthen governance. However, the email alleges that the process was rushed, disenfranchising about 908 eligible voters. The amendment was passed with a 96% majority, but the co-authors claim the election was tainted and unconstitutional.

The email also accuses Pisike and his allies of manipulating the election of a membership management company. They allege that the Request for Proposal (RFP) was sent to only three companies, one of which was owned by a friend of Pisike and his allies, who ultimately won the contract.

The directors expressed concern over large legal invoices from two attorneys, claiming the board was unaware of these expenses and suggesting potential corrupt practices. They also accused Pisike of sabotaging resolution efforts with Major League Cricket (MLC), a key issue between USAC and American Cricket Enterprises (ACE).

Srini Salver, the male player director and cricket committee chair, is also accused of conflict of interest and corruption. The email claims he engaged in coaching activities for fees and shared an agenda with Pisike to exclude USA-eligible MLC players in favor of their preferred players.

The email concludes with a demand for Pisike and his allies to retract their actions and issue a sincere apology. The ICC and the cricket community now await a response to these serious allegations.