Does ICC allow transgender players in women's international cricket?

Anaya Bangar’s criticism has sparked debate among cricket fans, and the internet is divided. Recently, South African all-rounder Marizanne Kapp had taken her stand against Cricket Australia’s decision to clear trans cricketer Bangar for a pathway into women’s domestic cricket. 

Meanwhile, as per Cricket Australia, she is eligible to compete in community and Premier cricket immediately. Additionally, she could become eligible for elite women’s cricket, including the WBBL pathway. However, her serum testosterone levels should remain below the required threshold of 10 nmol/L for at least 12 continuous months.  

Anaya also responded to the critics, saying that the ones who speak on this topic should educate themselves and stating that she doesn't hold any unfair advantage. Meanwhile, the topic has sparked debate about whether she should be allowed or not. In the wake of this, questions arise about whether the ICC allows transgender females to compete in the women’s category.  

Does ICC allow transgender players in women's international cricket?

The International Cricket Council (ICC) does not allow transgender women who have gone through male puberty to compete in women’s international cricket matches. Under gender eligibility regulations approved by the ICC Board in November 2023, any male-to-female participant who has experienced any form of male puberty is ineligible for the women’s international game. 

This applies regardless of surgery, hormone treatment, or other gender reassignment interventions. The policy prioritizes the protection of the integrity of the women’s game, followed by player safety, fairness, and inclusion. It followed a nine-month consultation process involving stakeholders and was led by the ICC’s Medical Advisory Committee. The regulations were scheduled for review within two years of introduction. 

The rules apply only to ICC-sanctioned international women’s cricket. Individual member boards retain authority over eligibility for domestic competitions, leading to varying approaches across countries. For example, some national boards have adopted similar restrictions at elite levels while permitting participation under different criteria in lower or recreational cricket. 

The change came shortly after Canadian batter Danielle McGahey became the first transgender player to feature in an official women’s international match in September 2023. Subsequent domestic cases, such as those in Australia, have highlighted ongoing differences between international and national-level policies. 

As of 2026, the ICC’s framework continues to bar players who experienced male puberty from women’s internationals, aligning with similar eligibility approaches adopted in several other sports.

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