The U.S. hosted matches in the recent T20 World Cup (Photo by Matt Roberts-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)ICC via Getty Images

USA Cricket has appointed Johnathan Atkeison as its chief executive, ending a long-winded search amid a chaotic period for the governing body slapped with a sanction from the International Cricket Council.

Familiar warring has rocked USA Cricket with a spate of resignations to key staff, notably former chief executive Dr. Noor Murad had his contract terminated in March just a few months into the role.

As the recruitment process took time to gather speed, the ICC was increasingly concerned about the governing body especially at a crucial juncture of American cricket with serious attempts to get the British bat and ball sport into the world's biggest sports market.

The blockbuster India-Pakistan contest was played in New York (Photo by Alex Davidson-ICC/ICC via ... [+] Getty Images)ICC via Getty Images

As I first reported in April, USA Cricket avoided calls for suspension from some directors on the all-powerful ICC board, with one even demanding a suspension.

More time was given with USA Cricket required to "remedy all areas of non-compliance" by the board's next meeting in July. Its funding was placed under the 'control' of the ICC, who had to make payments on its behalf (using USA's share of the ICC's money).

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As I first reported earlier this month, USA Cricket was put 'on notice', a sanction that would move the governing body closer to a suspension of its membership. Being put 'on notice' is akin to being 'rapped on the knuckles', as described by a veteran administrator.

But the financial pinch is felt when members are suspended and their funding halted. If USA Cricket remained non-compliant after one year then it could face suspension and ultimately expulsion as a member.

USA Cricket had yet to complete "governance reform processes recommended by the USA Olympic and Paralympic Committee". "The USOPC has written to the USAC expressing serious concerns about the ongoing governance of USAC," stated a document sent to ICC board directors before its latest meeting.

"Whilst this does not put USAC in breach of ICC Membership Criteria, it reflects broader concerns regarding USAC’s governance."

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USA Cricket is also deemed to "not have a fit-for purpose administrative structure", but have importantly now met that requirement with the appointment of Atkeison, who started in the role on Thursday having been the chief operating officer of USA Rugby.

He is hoped to stabilize the situation. "I'm honored to join the team at USA Cricket," Atkeison said. "It's an incredible time for the sport here in the United States with the historic performance of the men's national team in the recent T20 World Cup, the completion of the second season of Major League Cricket, and the first opportunity to showcase cricket in the Olympics here on home soil during the LA28 games.

"Our goal is to build a world-class organization to capitalize on that momentum, and firmly establish cricket's position in the American sporting landscape. The passion the cricket community has for the sport is amazing, and the enthusiasm is infectious. I can't wait to get started."

The T20 World Cup proved a hit for fans (Photo by Adam Gray/Getty Images)Getty Images

Due to being mired in its internal woes, USA Cricket had little to do with the recent staging of the T20 World Cup - the first major cricket tournament to be held in the U.S.

T20 Incorporated was the entity established in the U.S. to deliver the T20 World Cup, but its handling of the event will be scrutinized us part of an ICC inquiry into the finances of the U.S. leg.

As I first reported, deputy chair Imran Khwaja - who retained his place on the board after the Associate Member Directors election -, Lawson Naidoo (South Africa) and Roger Twose (New Zealand) will helm the inquiry.

The will be a focus on the much-hyped New York modular ground, which hosted eight matches including the money-spinning India-Pakistan clash on June 9. It was built in just a few months and pegged at $30 million - as I first reported in April.

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An audit into the U.S. leg - which hosted 16 of the 55 matches - is expected with findings from the inquiry hoped to be ready for the board's next meeting later in the year.