Why has the ICC barred trans players from women's international cricket?

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has implemented a ban on transgender individuals participating in women's international cricket at the highest level. The decision, outlined in new rules released on Tuesday, November 21, aims to uphold the integrity of the game and ensure player safety.

Reportedly, Canadian wicketkeeper Danielle McGahey made history earlier this year as the first transgender player to participate in international cricket, as noted by ESPNCricinfo.

Key changes and reasoning behind the decision include:

• Transgender players who have undergone male puberty in any form will be barred from competing in women's international games.
• Individuals who have undergone surgery or gender reassignment treatment will also be ineligible.
• ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice emphasized that this decision is rooted in scientific considerations and aligns with the organisation's core principles during the review process.
• Allardice stated, '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.'
• The ICC has committed to reviewing these regulations within a two-year timeframe.
• Currently, these regulations are applicable to international women's cricket, while domestic cricket boards can establish their own legislation.

Speculations have arisen that the inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Olympics might have prompted the ICC's decision to align its regulations with Olympic guidelines.

Trans cricketers

• Canada's Danielle McGahey, who made history as the first transgender cricketer in an official international match, will no longer be eligible to participate in women's international games under the new regulations.
• Despite fulfilling all ICC regulations, McGahey's inclusion in the Women's T20 Americas Qualifier now stands affected.
• Brazil Women's captain, Roberta Moretti Avery, expressed her respect for the decision but voiced concern over its timing, deeming it unfortunate for players like McGahey who had already participated under previous rules, reported ESPNCricinfo.

This move aligns cricket with other sports such as swimming, cycling, athletics, rugby league, and rugby union, where transgender athletes face bans from elite women's competitions.