Danielle McGahey, a transgender cricketer from Canada, has decided to end her international career following a recent directive from the game’s governing body.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) said during a board meeting on Tuesday that those who have passed male puberty would be barred from participating in women’s cricket at the elite level. This decision is in line with similar decisions by global governing bodies of sports such as swimming, rugby union, cycling and athletics.
The ICC said in a statement: “The changes to the gender eligibility rules are the result of a comprehensive consultation process, are based on scientific evidence and are consistent with the core principles developed during the review.”
“Inclusivity is incredibly important to us as a sport, but our priority was to protect the integrity of international women’s football and the safety of players.”
Transgender advocacy groups argue that excluding transgender athletes constitutes discrimination. Those who criticize the inclusion of transgender people in women’s sports claim that male puberty gives athletes a significant musculoskeletal advantage that transitioning does not fully resolve.
The ICC said the decision, which came after a nine-month consultation process and applies specifically to international cricket, would be subject to a review after two years.
McGahey, an Australian-born cricketer who has represented Canada in international cricket for over a year, said efforts to integrate transgender people into women’s sports would continue.
“Following the ICC’s decision this morning, it is with a heavy heart that I have to say that my international cricket career is over,” the 29-year-old wrote in an Instagram post.
“I promise that I will not stop fighting for equality in our sport. We deserve the right to play cricket at the highest level. We do not pose a threat to the integrity or safety of the sport. Never stop fighting!”
(With Reuters input)