Following the Supreme Court ruling on 16 April, the England and Wales Cricket Board has changed its policy regarding the eligibility of transgender players in recreational cricket. Effective immediately, transgender women and girls can not play in women’s or girls’ competitive cricket organised by any organisation affiliated with the ECB, this includes SCF. Transgender women and girls can continue playing in open and mixed cricket.
Somerset Cricket Foundation stands by its values, that cricket is a game for all, and everyone should have opportunity to play the game they love. SCF will continue to support those in Somerset that are affected by the change in ruling to continue to play cricket in an environment where they feel comfortable. If you are affected by this change in ruling, or have anything you’d like to voice, then please let us know. We can’t understate the impact that this change has on many cricketers across the county, so will welcome those affected to reach out for support. SCF maintains that abuse or discrimination has no place in our sport and are committed to ensuring that cricket is played in a spirit of respect and inclusivity at all times.
ECB Press Release 02 May 2025
The ECB is today announcing a change to its regulations regarding eligibility for transgender players in women’s and girls’ cricket. This is based on the updated legal position following the recent Supreme Court ruling.
With immediate effect, only those whose biological sex is female will be eligible to play in women’s cricket and girls’ cricket matches. Transgender women and girls can continue playing in open and mixed cricket.
Our regulations for recreational cricket have always aimed at ensuring that cricket remains as inclusive a sport as possible. These included measures to manage disparities, irrespective of someone’s gender, and safeguard the enjoyment of all players. However, given the new advice received about the impact of the Supreme Court ruling, we believe the changes announced today are necessary.
We acknowledge that this decision will have a significant impact on transgender women and girls. We will work with Recreational Cricket Boards to support people impacted by this change in our regulations.
We await updated guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and will study this carefully.
We maintain that abuse or discrimination has no place in our sport and are committed to ensuring that cricket is played in a spirit of respect and inclusivity.
The new Player Gender Eligibility Regulations are available here.
Read the full ECB press release here
