Could the ECB follow Cricket Australia's transgender policy?
The ECB are reviewing their transgender policy ahead of a new semi-professional women's league, and could move towards the medical approach adopted by Cricket Australia.
The England and Wales Cricket Board are reviewing their transgender policy ahead of the start of a new semi-professional women's league, and could move towards the medical approach adopted by Cricket Australia.
Presently, the ECB operates a socially inclusive policy, which doesn鈥檛 require trans women to comply with any medical requirements to play in women鈥檚 teams at any level below the national team, however their review could see a move towards a more medical approach for players at the top level, similar to the policy announced last week by Cricket Australia.
Their policy for Elite cricket eligibility relies on trans cricketers meeting certain medical criteria to compete, but includes "guidelines for community cricket" to support those that wish to play the game in line with their gender identity.
Discussing the policy, Chief Medical Officer at the Australian Institute of Sport, Dr David Hughes, says that "every individual has the right to have their lives enriched by sport, and it's beholden upon sporting organisations to ensure there is a place for everybody."
Photo: Transgender cricketer, Erica James, shakes hands with Cricket Australia CEO Kevin Roberts and Chief Medical Officer at the Australian Institute of Sport, Dr David Hughes. (Getty Images).
