ECB bans transgender women from participating in all levels of women's cricket

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced on Friday that transgender women are prohibited from participating in women’s and girls’ matches. 

The decision followed the UK Supreme Court ruling on the definition of a woman in equalities law and follows similar moves in football and netball.

Earlier, the ECB had banned transgender women from participating in its elite competitions, bringing it into line with the ICC’s stance.

The ECB has announced that the decision implemented with immediate effect, participation in women’s and girls’ cricket matches will be limited to those assigned female at birth.

“With immediate effect, only those whose biological sex is female will be eligible to play in women’s cricket and girls’ cricket matches,” the ECB said in a statement.

“Transgender women and girls can continue playing in open and mixed cricket,” it added.

The statement emphasized the Supreme Court ruling, stressing inclusivity in cricket as a sport.

”Our regulations for recreational cricket have always aimed at ensuring that cricket remains as inclusive a sport as possible.’

”These included measures to manage disparities, irrespective of someone’s gender, and safeguard the enjoyment of all players. However, given the new advice received about the impact of the Supreme Court ruling, we believe the changes announced today are necessary,” ECB said.

The cricketing governing body admitted that this decision will have an impact on transgender women and girls.

ECB further indicated that the board plans to work alongside Recreational Cricket Boards to provide support for those affected by this regulatory change.

“We acknowledge that this decision will have a significant impact on transgender women and girls. We will work with Recreational Cricket Boards to support people impacted by this change in our regulations.

“We await updated guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and will study this carefully.

“We maintain that abuse or discrimination has no place in our sport and are committed to ensuring that cricket is played in a spirit of respect and inclusivity.”

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