There comes a shocking move from ICC as they banned Transgender Women from Women’s Cricket. Danielle McGahey who was the first transgender woman to play in International cricket will no longer be able to play cricket. This is due to a new law passed by the ICC which bans transgender women from playing International Cricket.
As per the new ICC rules, any player who has changed their gender from male to female & has been through any kind of male puberty will not be allowed to participate in Women’s Cricket, no matter if they have undergone any surgery or gender reassignment treatment.
The ICC has passed this new law after a nine-month consultation process with the Sports stakeholders. The law is based on the principles of protection of the integrity of the women’s game, safety, fairness, and inclusion.
Commenting about ICC’s new law, Geoff Allardice said that the inclusivity of the sport is important for them. He further said that their duty is to protect the integrity of International Women’s cricket. Allardice further highlighted that gender eligibility at the domestic level is a matter for every Individual Member board which will be impacted by local legislation. He ensured that the new regulations will be reviewed within two years.
Who is Danielle McGahey?
The 29-year-old, McGahey is originally from Australia but has moved to Canada in 2020. later he underwent a made-to-female gender change surgery in 2021. Then in September 2023, she featured for Canada in the Women’s T20 Americas Qualifier, the pathway tournament to the 2024 T20 World Cup. McGahey had fulfilled the criteria of gender eligibility which was in place at that time for male-to-female transition to play international cricket. She has so far played six T20Is amassing 118 runs at an average of 19.66 and a strike rate of 95.93.
Is ICC law of banning Transgender Women from playing cricket Right?
ICC’s recent move has garnered mixed reactions from cricket enthusiasts as some of them are of the opinion that the move was in the right direction. While some fans are of the opinion that gender change is a personal choice & if someone makes the decision the board should respect & support them in the decision. Not allowing transgender Women to play the game of cricket is a violation of their right to equality. The sport of cricket & determination to play don’t change with the gender of a person. So they should be allowed to play if they fulfill the criteria of women’s cricket.
Everyone has a different view on ICC’s step of banning transgender women from playing Women’s International Cricket. So share with us your view on ICC’s new law & why you think so.
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