NEW DELHI: USA Cricket (USAC) directors Kuljit Singh, Arjun Gona, and Patricia Whittaker have sent a detailed email to the International Cricket Council (ICC) accusing USAC chairman Venu Pisike of a range of unethical practices, according to a report on cricket website Cricbuzz.
The allegations include the wrongful termination of the CEO, creating a hostile work environment, systemic corruption aimed at electoral gains, and other misconduct.
In their email, sent on the heels of the ICC board meeting in Colombo, Singh, Gona, and Whittaker describe various infractions by Pisike and his allies. These include charges of unethical behavior such as the unauthorized termination of CEO Dr Noor Murad and fostering a "toxic and pathetic" workplace atmosphere. They also accuse Pisike of unconstitutional appointments, manipulating election processes, and financial opacity.
The email elaborates on several key accusations:
Unethical Termination: Dismissal of CEO Dr Noor Murad.Hostile Environment: Allegations of creating a toxic work environment.Unconstitutional Appointments: Bypassing proper procedures for hiring key positions.Systemic Corruption: Claims of electoral manipulation and financial non-transparency.Intimidation Tactics: Efforts to silence dissenting members and remove minority members.
According to the Cricbuzz report, Singh and Gona's recurrent dissenting emails to the ICC were cited as the primary reason for their temporary suspension from USAC, made public on July 12.
The communication further alleges that voters were disenfranchised during the constitutional amendment process and that elections were corrupted through biased selection of a membership management company. It also accuses the misuse of legal funds and claims that attempts to resolve issues with American Cricket Enterprises (ACE), owners of Major League Cricket, were sabotaged.
Specific allegations were also made against Srini Salver, the male player director and chair of the cricket committee, including conflicts of interest, corruption, and manipulating player selections for personal gain.
Instances of alleged misconduct detailed in the email include efforts to seek resignations from key staff members like Julie Abbott, Jamie Lloyd, Anand Patel, and Burt Cockley. Their departures were attributed to the "toxic work environment" fostered by certain board members.
As per the report, USAC has not commented on the allegations at this time.
The situation remains critical, with the ICC closely monitoring the developments after issuing a suspension warning and imposing sanctions on USAC.
