Cricket Chiefs Ban Transgender Players Born as Men from International Women’s Cricket to Protect Female Players’ Safety
In a significant move, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced a ban on transgender players born as men from participating in international women’s cricket. The decision comes as a result of a nine-month consultation process, with the primary aim being the protection of female players’ safety. The ban applies to any Male to Female (MTF) participants who have undergone male puberty, regardless of any surgeries or gender reassignment treatments. While the new policy only affects international women’s cricket, individual Member Boards have the authority to determine gender eligibility at the domestic level. Notably, the regulations will undergo review within two years.
According to ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice, the changes in gender eligibility regulations have been rooted in science and developed in alignment with the core principles established during the review process. Allardice emphasized the sport’s commitment to inclusivity but highlighted that safeguarding the integrity of international women’s cricket and the safety of players took precedence.
Under the previous eligibility regulations, in place since 2018 and amended in 2021, trans women were required to demonstrate that the concentration of testosterone in their serum had been continuously below 5 nmol/L for at least 12 months. Additionally, they had to provide a written and signed declaration, confirming their female gender identity.
Danielle McGahey from Canada made headlines earlier this year when she became the first transgender cricketer to be named in an international women’s squad. McGahey, who was born in Australia and migrated to Canada in 2020, underwent a social transition to a woman in November 2020 and began medical transitioning in May 2021. The 29-year-old made her debut in a T20 international match against Brazil in September, marking a significant step toward greater inclusiveness in the sport.
While the ICC’s decision is aimed at addressing concerns and protecting the safety of female players, it has sparked controversy and divided opinions. Advocates argue that inclusivity should prevail, allowing transgender women the opportunity to participate in the women’s game. On the other hand, those supporting the ban believe it ensures fair and equal competition by avoiding potential physical advantages resulting from male puberty.
With the enforcement of this ban, the ICC hopes to strike a balance between inclusivity and upholding the essence of women’s cricket. The decision will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the future of the sport and the ongoing global conversation surrounding transgender rights in athletics. As the regulations enter the review phase in upcoming years, stakeholders will closely monitor developments to gauge the outcome of these policy changes.
