A meeting was held between the ICC’s Sustainable Foundation Advisory Group and members of the USA Cricket Association (USACA) in Dallas, Texas, to discuss a proposed new governance structure in the country.

Since June 2015, the USACA has been serving a suspension from the ICC as an affiliate member, one below test cricket playing teams, after the sport’s global governing body raised concerns with the "governance, finance, reputation and cricketing activities" in the States.

This has meant the USACA have not been able to receive funding from the sport’s leaders.

The meeting gave both parties the chance to look over the revised constitution, which is aimed at "unifying cricket in the USA", and discuss their views on them.

"We recognise that it has been, and continues to be, a difficult time for the US cricket community as the ICC continues to push for improved governance structure, cricket system and increased professionalism in the administration of the sport in the USA," Richardson said.

"I am grateful to all those who participated in discussions which were conducted in good faith, fairly, reasonably and without any personal or organisational agendas.

"I am more optimistic than ever before that significant progress for the administration of cricket in the USA is just around the corner and I encourage the entire cricket community to continue to show the patience that they have displayed over the past months as we continue to work towards unification."

Following the meeting, suggested amendments will be made to the proposals.

Once a consensus has been reached, the plans will then be taken back to the ICC for final approval.

The US cricket team has only ever qualified for one of the top three international cricket competitions, reaching the 2004 Champions Trophy held in England.

They were comprehensively beaten by New Zealand and Australia in both games they played.