The debate continues with the evolving human landscape and a predominant topic of this age — transgender inclusion in sports, especially within women’s cricket. Many questions and statements have risen, with fairness, inclusivity, and safety at the forefront. Governing bodies like the International Cricket Council (ICC) and national boards have been forced to reassess their eligibility policies. The recent spotlight on transgender inclusion in cricket headlined when Ananya Banger publicly took to social media and appealed for the inclusion of transgender cricketers by urging the ICC and BCCI to reconsider their ban.
At present, according to the rules framed by the governing bodies, transgender women are banned from participating in international women’s cricket matches if they have gone through male puberty. This decision, made in November 2023, prioritizes the integrity of women’s cricket, safety, fairness, and inclusion. The policy change affects players like Danielle McGahey, who previously became the first transgender cricketer to play international cricket for Canada. So, should transgender women be allowed to play in women’s cricket? The answer is complex and lies at the intersection of sport, science, and society.
Taking a glance at the possible arguments in favour, transgender athletes are like every other athlete, with key differences according to health science. Like all individuals who are eligible to participate in sports, denying them access can be seen as discriminatory and counter to the principles of equality and dignity enshrined in international human rights standards.
Medical studies and sport-specific assessments have shown that after undergoing hormone therapy, transgender women often lose the muscle mass, strength, and endurance that could have previously offered a competitive edge. In the case of any female athlete, her hormone levels after one year of treatment can fall within the typical range of cisgender female athletes, as per her medical report.
Prior to its 2023 policy change, the ICC regulations permitted transgender women to play in international women’s cricket, provided they met certain criteria, including demonstrating a serum testosterone level. The decision to change the policy was the result of extensive consultation with stakeholders and was based on scientific evidence and the need to prioritize the integrity and safety of women’s cricket. But the paradox also lies in often questioning the moral values of equality for all, promoting diversity, and expanding cricket’s reach to marginalized communities.
But there also lie some strains that could be possible reasons for the board to change its decision. Speaking about health science, despite hormone therapy, many argue that the physical advantages gained during male puberty — such as bone structure, muscle memory, and cardiovascular capacity — cannot be fully reversed. This raises fairness concerns, particularly in strength-based or high-impact roles in cricket. Risk to player safety also raises questions — injuries could occur more frequently in women’s cricket if there’s a significant physical disparity, particularly in fast bowling or aggressive fielding. Fragmented global rules and a lack of consistency across sports and countries create a divided playing field and uncertainty for transgender athletes aiming to progress internationally.
Taking the spotlight to Ananya Banger — she was born male and later transitioned to female. She recently shared an eight-page scientific report on social media, detailing her transition journey as a transgender athlete. She plans on submitting these findings to the ICC and BCCI.
“For the first time, I’m sharing the scientific report that documents my journey as a trans woman athlete. Over the past year, I’ve undergone structured physiological assessments after starting hormone therapy. This report captures the real, measurable impact of my transition — not opinions, not assumptions, but data. I’m submitting this to the BCCI and ICC, with full transparency and hope. My only intention is to start a conversation based on facts, not fear. To build space, not divide it. Whether you agree or not, thank you for witnessing,” she stated.
She shared scientific reports from Manchester Metropolitan University, showing that after one year of hormone therapy, her testosterone levels and muscle mass were consistent with that of a cisgender female athlete.
Ananya’s recent appeal was not just personal — it was political and scientific. She asked cricket’s governing bodies to embrace evolving research and reconsider blanket bans. Her case brings a real human face to a policy debate that can often feel abstract and detached.
For many transgender athletes, the journey to the cricket field is not just about performance — it’s about recognition, validation, and the right to exist as who they are. But when identity meets regulation, the question becomes painfully complex: Should someone have to choose between their authentic self and their right to compete? This dilemma isn’t just about policy issues — it’s a human one. In the pursuit of inclusive sport, governing bodies must ask: can rules evolve to uphold both fairness and the freedom to live and play as one truly is?
The future of transgender inclusion in women’s cricket depends on striking a balance between fair competition, identity, player safety, and individual rights. While current ICC policy leans toward exclusion for the sake of fairness, cases like Ananya Banger’s challenge the rigidity of that stance by presenting scientifically backed data and lived experiences.
Ultimately, cricket must evolve with societal changes — carefully, but compassionately. As science advances and social understanding deepens, the sport has an opportunity to lead with empathy while upholding its integrity.
