First international transgender cricketer retires post ICC's ban
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Danielle McGahey, the first transgender woman to play international cricket, has officially declared the end of her career. She is 29 years old.
Her decision comes in response to a pivotal change in the International Cricket Council's (ICC) gender eligibility regulations, which disallowed transgender individuals from partaking in women's international cricket.
McGahey, having played six T20Is for Canada and accumulating 118 runs with an average of 19.66 and a strike rate of 95.93, has chosen to retire due to the ICC's prohibition against transgender women's participation.
In a statement, she said, "Following the ICC's decision this morning, it is with a very heavy heart that I must say that my international cricketing career is over. As quickly as it began, it must now end. It is based on the following principles (in order of priority), protection of the integrity of the women's game, safety, fairness, and inclusion."
McGahey, addressing the matter on Instagram as reported by ESPNcricinfo, added, "ICC will review the regulations in two years."
Despite her retirement, McGahey vocalised her commitment to advocating for equality for transgender women in sports. "While I hold my opinions on the ICC's decision, they are irrelevant. What matters is the message being sent to millions of trans women today, a message saying that we don't belong. I promise I will not stop fighting for equality for us in our sport, we deserve the right to play cricket at the highest level, we are not a threat to the integrity or safety of the sport."
Originally from Australia, McGahey relocated to Canada in 2020 and underwent a male-to-female medical transition in 2021.
Her exceptional batting performances during Canada's women's inter-provincial tournament drew the attention of Cricket Canada selectors. Subsequently, she was recognised for her contributions during the Women's T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier held earlier this year.