Trans cricketer condemns ‘devastating’ women’s cricket ban

Trans women are prohibited from competing in women’s cricket at all levels, announced by the Cricket Committees of England and Wales.

In an update to transgender guidelines, the ECB said “Only those with a female biological gender are eligible to play in female cricket and girl cricket matches.” The board added that trans women and girls can still participate in open and mixed cricket.

The decision comes after the UK Supreme Court ruled on April 15 that the definition of “sex” under the Equality Act of 2010 and, even the legal definition of women refers only to biological women.

The court’s justice decision is expected to have a broad impact on both trans and non-binary communities, both public institutions, organizations, and services that are required to update their policies on inclusion and unity spaces, as well as public institutions, organizations and services that are required to reflect the court’s findings.

Two weeks after the verdict, the Barclays suggested that trans women would ban women from using toilets, and both the Football Association (FA) and the Scottish Football Association introduced a ban on trans women playing female soccer.

A statement from the Cricket Committee in England and Wales stated, “Our regulations for recreational cricket have always been aimed at ensuring that cricket maintains as comprehensive athletics as possible.

“These include measures to manage the disparity, regardless of someone’s gender, to protect the fun of all players. However, given the new advice we received about the impact of the Supreme Court decision, we believe the changes announced today are necessary.”

The ECB went on to acknowledge the decision will have a “significant” impact on trans women and girls participating in the sport, adding that it will “work with the recreational cricket board to support those affected by this change in regulations.”

Speaking to Pinknews, transcript cricketer Danielle McGahey Ribeiro is the first trans woman to play international cricket, and the ECB ban is “devastating” for the trans community and, as a trans person, she finds “the pain and injustice of this very deep.”

“It’s a cruel and inhumane act of exclusion for me to blame it on the strongest possible conditions,” she said. “To prohibit trans women and girls from the sports we love is not just discrimination, it takes people away from the joy and belongings that come when you’re part of the cricket community.”

She continued. “This policy tells us that we don’t belong, and that it’s wrong. We belong. We belong to cricket from all levels, from grassroots to international.

“This is a shameful step and encourages the ECB to listen to the trans people and remember that cricket is at its best.

“It will be played with a spirit of respect and inclusiveness for everyone who says you are committed to securing cricket, but your actions today prove that this is not the case.”

McGahey Ribeiro added: “Let me be clear. No one will transition just to play cricket. No one will go to pain, loss, or social impact.