LONDON, Aug 8: The United States, population over 296 million, has been kicked out of cricket’s Intercontinental Cup and replaced by the Cayman Islands, population 44,720. The International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Monday that two factions disputing who controls the U.S. cricket association had been unable to agree on a unified team.

ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed has written to them saying: “It is very disappointing for all concerned that you have not been able to agree on the final composition of the team.” After the U.S., the Cayman Islands, a noted tax haven, are the next highest ranked country from the Americas region.

They now meet Bermuda and Canada later this month in two three-day games in Toronto in a bid to reach the semifinals and final in Namibia in late October. Other teams involved in the Intercontinental Cup, which is for countries without Test status, include Nepal, Hong Kong and the Netherlands.

The U.S. played in the Champions Trophy in England last year when they were bowled out for 65 by world champions Australia who knocked off the runs in 7.5 overs. They also lost by 210 runs to New Zealand.—PPI