In a major decision, The International Cricket Council (ICC) has banned transgender players from the international women’s team if they have gone through male puberty.
As per ICC, this decision is based on an extensive scientific review and nine-month consultation to “protect the integrity of the international women’s game and the safety of players.
In recent years, rugby union, swimming, cycling, athletics and rugby league have also made such policy decisions citing concerns over fairness or safety.
As per this major policy decision, a player who has gone through male puberty will not be eligible for women’s internationals regardless of any surgery or treatment undertaken.
These new regulations will be reviewed within 2 years.
“The changes to the gender eligibility regulations resulted from an extensive consultation process and is founded in science and aligned with the core principles developed during the review,” ICC chief executive Geoff Allardice said.
He added, “Inclusivity is incredibly important to us as a sport, but our priority was to protect the integrity of the international women’s game and the safety of players.”
Canada’s Danielle McGahey became the first transgender cricketer to play an official international game in September.
After hearing the ban news, Danielle expressed her disappointment, “I have now read the new policy but I was informed by the ICC last week and they let me know what was about to occur. So I’ve been kept in the loop at all points. I don’t have a lot to say currently but it’s a tough decision to take. Obviously, processing it has been challenging as it marks the end of my international cricket career. It’s obviously incredibly disappointing when I consider the implication it will have on young transgender women all across the world.”
“I hope it does not dissuade anyone from chasing their dreams. Trans women belong in sport, and belong in cricket,” she added.
On the other hand, the Women’s Rights Network (WRN) applauded the decision of banning transgenders from the women’s game.
“This is a significant decision and we welcome it but we question why it has taken so long. It is vital to point out that this does not mean these trans players are banned from cricket altogether. They are still free to play in men’s or even mixed teams,” said WRN spokeswoman Jane Sullivan.
