NEW DELHI: Cricket Australia's chief executive, Nick Hockley, affirmed the organization's commitment to prioritizing inclusion over a scientific approach when determining the eligibility of transgender players in women's cricket.
Hockley highlighted Cricket Australia's pride in the transgender guidelines established in 2019, which were geared towards fostering inclusivity both within the community and at the elite cricket level.
In contrast to the International Cricket Council's (ICC) recent ruling, Hockley noted that their guidelines took a more inclusive stance, focusing on the philosophy of inclusion rather than a strict scientific criterion.
"The ICC guidelines go a bit further in terms of it takes quite a scientific approach. We've expressed that we think that inclusion is the priority, so we will continue to work with the ICC to express our views," Hockley stated in a recent statement to Sydney's Daily Telegraph.
The ICC's ruling, announced in November, barred any player who had undergone male puberty from participating in international women's cricket. However, Cricket Australia's existing rules, established four years ago, outline eligibility criteria for domestic competitions.
Transgender players are allowed to compete in the elite women's game if they maintain testosterone levels below 10 nanograms per deciliter for 12 months before nominating for a team. Community women's cricket has less stringent requirements, demanding only a commitment to a consistent gender identity in everyday life.
Advocacy groups supporting transgender rights argue that excluding trans athletes amounts to discrimination. Conversely, critics of transgender inclusion in women's sports contend that the advantages gained from male puberty, particularly in terms of musculo-skeletal development, are not fully mitigated by transitioning.
Hockley addressed the impact of the ICC ruling on Australia, noting that it remained hypothetical as there were currently no transgender cricketers in the country seeking to play international cricket. He emphasized Cricket Australia's commitment to collaboration with the ICC and stressed the importance of inclusivity, while also considering the well-being and mental health of the players.
"We will continue to work closely with the ICC to express our views. I think we need to be really inclusive and we also need to be very mindful of player wellbeing and mental health considerations as well," Hockley concluded.
The ICC's decision is slated for a review after a two-year period, providing an opportunity for further assessment and potential adjustments to the policy. The ongoing discourse on transgender inclusion in sports reflects the broader societal debate on balancing inclusivity with the principles of fair competition.
(With inputs from Reuters)
