ISLAMABAD, June 22: The Chief Executive of International Cricket Council, Malcolm Speed, has informed cricket officials in the USA that no American officials would be permitted to attend the forthcoming ICC meetings due to the unresolved governance dispute within the United States of America Cricket Association (USACA).

These issues arose out of elections that were conducted in the USA in March this year.

“As a result of several of the matters that have been raised in recent correspondence, ICC is unable to come to a clear view as to which party should be recognised as the legitimate governor of USACA,” wrote Mr Speed in his letter, according to reports available here.

“Regrettably, despite having had three months in which to resolve these matters, you seem to be no closer to doing so.

“The result of this is that, at this stage, ICC does not intend to recognise any of the current competing parties as being in undisputed control of USACA.

“Further, at this stage, ICC does not intend to recognise any of the current parties as being the legitimate governor of USACA.

“In the circumstances, unless the matter can be resolved by mutual agreement in the meantime, we do not intend to recognise any party for the forthcoming ICC meetings,” said Speed.

If the matter is not resolved in time, the USACA will miss out on the opportunity to be represented at the ICC Associates Meeting on June 26 and the ICC Annual Conference on June 28.

Speed also highlighted the potential financial implications of the ongoing dispute.

“It follows that funding to USACA will continue to be withheld,” he added.

“If USA qualifies for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007, USACA will be entitled to funding to prepare for that event.

“We will need to be able to put in place a system to ensure that cricketers in the USA are not disadvantaged as we move through the next six to 12 months period”

The dispute is not expected to affect USA’s participation in the ICC Trophy 2005 in Ireland starting on July 1.—APP