The England and Wales Cricket Board has announced that transgender women will not be able to compete in the new Women’s Domestic Structure or the top two tiers of the Women’s Hundreds competition.
The updated transgender policy reflects the International Cricket Council’s decision last year to ban anyone who has gone through male puberty from participating in women’s international matches.
The ECB said it consulted “relevant scientific and medical evidence” and considered “fairness, safety and inclusivity” in banning transgender women from playing professional domestic cricket.
However, the ECB has confirmed that Phase 3 of the new domestic system, which will begin next year, and recreational cricket will welcome individuals of the gender they identify with.
This comes with the caveat that there is an already established ‘gap policy’ covering anyone with a significant strength, stamina and/or physique advantage, which may raise safety or fairness issues.
The ECB, which will announce the new policy in time for the 2025 domestic season, said in a statement that “it has taken considerable time to reach this policy position.”
“The ECB recognizes that transgender participation is a complex area with very strong views and that it is impossible to balance all considerations.
“We want everyone to feel included and welcome in our sport and we believe the position we have reached ensures fairness in the elite game, while also ensuring inclusivity at the recreational level and specific protections to manage gaps and ensure safety. “I believe that by having the devices in place, we achieve the right balance.”
Transgender athletes have been banned from competing in elite women’s competitions in other sports, including swimming, cycling, athletics, rugby league and rugby union.
The ECB’s existing policy allowed anyone who identified as a woman to compete for professional clubs and England Pathways teams as long as they received written approval.
Commenting on the ECB’s update, Dr Seema Patel, Associate Professor at Nottingham Law School, said: “It is incredibly positive to recognize the importance of engagement at community and grassroots level.”
Patel, who was part of the cricket disciplinary committee panel that investigated the Yorkshire racism scandal, added: “After 20 years of extensive research into gender eligibility, my research has shown that there is a trend towards less eligibility for trans female athletes competing in women’s divisions, based on concepts of biological advantage, safety and fairness.
“However, there are inconsistencies in the application of this approach, and the long-term effects of the ban are not yet clear. The consultation process adopted by the governing body requires genuine participation of diverse perspectives beyond the national scientific community in determining the rules.
“Establishing regulatory boundaries is important, but this must be considered alongside the changing environment in which gender diversity is embedded in our society and identities are evolving.”
The ECB’s new rules do not apply to grassroots games, which have been criticized by human rights group Sex Matters.
Fiona McAnena, the charity’s head of campaigns, said: whole body: “The message the ECB is sending to women and girls seems to be that unless you’re the best player you can’t play fair.”
