Another US election shambles

The bickering and confusion that has been a hallmark of much of US cricket in recent years continues to undermine attempts to bring the structure of the game onto a professional footing. The squabbling within the Atlantic Region following the decision not to issue the results of elections in July is another example of the dysfunctional state of affairs.

On July 26 elections were held and within 24 hours an email from Sheldon Ellis, the coordinator, said the votes had been collated, but instead of the results being released soon after, Sheldon Mollineau, the outgoing secretary, took a decision to withhold them.

Ellis stated that he had been called by Gladstone Dainty, the controversial president of the USA Cricket Association, who had instructed him not to release the results. Ellis, who is claimed to be very unhappy, said that if the matter was not resolved he would nevertheless send the results to the secretary of the region.

Seven leagues with the Atlantic Region requested Ellis to release the results to the secretary, which he did on August 3. But Mollineau, rather than forward them as expected, simply sat on them, citing Dainty’s request as the reason.

According to Dreamcricket.com, Sheldon Glasgow, the outgoing chairman, and Mollineau were both under pressure in the elections with a real threat they could be voted out of office.

Whatever happens and even if the results are released soon, this is yet another example of the often woefully unprofessional way the USA Cricket Association under the auspices of Dainty continues to administer the national game.