(Image Source: ICC)
[Saba Sports News] The International Cricket Council (ICC) has implemented a policy that excludes transgender women from international women’s cricket, in an effort to maintain the integrity and safety of the sport. This decision, centered on fairness, safety, and inclusivity, will be reviewed in two years.
The eligibility rules, finalized after a nine-month consultation and including input from ECB chairman Richard Thompson, state that individuals assigned male at birth and who have undergone male puberty are not eligible for international women’s cricket. This policy, described as science-based and aligned with core principles, is seen as crucial for preserving the competitive spirit in women’s cricket.
ICC chief executive Geoff Allardice emphasized the importance of inclusivity but highlighted the priority of protecting the integrity of the international women’s game and player safety. These rules apply only to international levels, allowing national cricket bodies to determine their own domestic gender eligibility policies. The ECB, for instance, supports transgender women’s participation based on self-identified gender.
The policy also introduces a “disparity policy” to address safety concerns related to differences in speed, strength, or skill among players, similar to World Athletics’ regulations. This move aims to ensure fairness and safety in the sport at the international level.