The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has formally excluded transgender players from women’s cricket, citing new UK Supreme Court legal guidance on the definition of “woman” under the Equality Act.
The ECB made the policy shift after a recent court ruling that explained that the law defining a woman refers to biological sex, not gender identity. This encouraged the board to adjust its regulation, synchronizing its policy with the latest judicial framework.
Only players biologically female will be qualified to play women’s cricket across all levels of cricket in England and Wales according to the revised regulations. The ECB stated that this change takes effect immediately. However, transgender players will still be allowed to participate in open and mixed-gender formats of the game.
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This isn’t the first time the ECB has introduced such a restriction. Last year, the board barred transgender athletes from elite-level competitions in line with the International Cricket Council (ICC)’s stance. Now, that restriction extends to all women’s matches under the ECB’s jurisdiction.
The decision comes amid a broader shift in UK sports. Similar policies have recently been adopted by governing bodies in football and netball, reflecting a growing trend toward ensuring fairness in female categories by focusing on biological sex.
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In a statement, the ECB emphasized its commitment to supporting those affected by the new policy, although it did not disclose how many players might be impacted. The governing body said it remains focused on inclusivity and will provide assistance to transgender athletes wishing to remain active in the sport through other formats.
