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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has prohibited transgender cricketers from participating in international women's cricket at the highest level. The ban applies to transgender players who have experienced any form of male puberty, irrespective of whether they have undergone surgery or gender reassignment treatment, as reported by The Guardian.
The ICC stated that this decision aims to safeguard the integrity of international women's cricket and the safety of its players. The new policy was finalized after a nine-month consultation process involving cricket's stakeholders, culminating in the board's decision.
Geoff Allardice, the CEO of the ICC, explained the rationale behind the decision, emphasizing that it is based on scientific findings and aligns with core principles developed during the review. He noted the importance of inclusivity in the sport but highlighted that their top priority was to protect the integrity of international women's cricket and the players' safety.
The trigger for this change in policy was the inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Olympics. As cricket becomes an Olympic sport, it must adhere to Olympic guidelines, including those related to gender eligibility. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has recommended that sports implement regulations suitable for their specific sport.
This decision follows the participation of Canada's Danielle McGahey, the first transgender cricketer in an official international match two months ago. However, McGahey will no longer be eligible to compete in women's international cricket.
It's important to note that these gender eligibility rules apply to international women's cricket, and regulations at the domestic level may vary according to individual Member boards, potentially influenced by local legislation. Similar bans on transgender athletes in elite women's competitions exist in various other sports such as swimming, cycling, athletics, rugby league, and rugby union.
