ECB bans transgender women from elite competitions

[Jessica_Rose]

ECB bans transgender women from elite competitions

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/cricket/ecb-bans-transgender-women-from-elite-competitions/ar-AA1ss28J?ocid=windirect&cvid=628b0a3587804755a03ab086f9e583f7&ei=43

Story by ESPNcricinfo staff (17 Oct 2024)

Transgender women who have gone through male puberty will be excluded from Tiers 1 and 2 of the ECB's new women's county competition, as well as the women's Hundred, after the ECB chose to bring its eligibility policy into line with that adopted by the ICC in 2023.

The policy will not, however, be extended to the grassroots game, nor to Tier 3 of the county competition, which at this stage will comprise teams from the ECB's national (formerly minor) counties, but which will be subject to promotion and relegation from higher tiers from 2029 onwards.

"Considerable time has been taken to reach this policy position," the board said in its statement. "The ECB recognises that transgender participation is a complex area, with many strongly held views, and it is impossible to balance all the considerations.

"We want everyone to feel included and welcome in our sport, and believe the position reached strikes an appropriate balance by ensuring fairness in the elite game while ensuring inclusivity at a recreational level, with specific safeguards in place to manage disparities and ensure safety."