Cricket Australia has introduced a transgender policy.

The policy, which was announced at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday, aligns with the International Cricket Council’s guidelines for gender-diverse cricket.

The policy states: ‘To consider the relevant aspects of strength, stamina or physique any player who is participating in elite female cricket must be able to establish that their concentration of testosterone in serum has been less than 10 nanomoles per litre continuously for at least 12 months. This is in line with the ICC’s gender recognition policy.’

Former Australian international player Alex Blackwell has been central to the introduction of the policy. Blackwell plays alongside transgender cricketer Erica James at the Universities’ Women’s Cricket Club.

‘I finally made the decision that I should transition, and one of the first things I did was Google “trans-friendly cricket club”. Two days later I was meeting Alex and the committee for the Universities’ Women’s Cricket Club,’ added James.

‘The moment that I realised that I could play in a team of women like me I was so surprised and so happy. I’m getting exercise now, I’m getting out there and meeting people – I’m making amazing friends.’

Cricket Australia chief executive officer Kevin Roberts concluded: ‘It doesn’t make any sense that today people are discriminated against, harassed or excluded, because of who they are. And that’s not right.

‘Today we demonstrate our commitment to include people with an affirmed gender identity in the game at every level and ensure all people in our communities experience Australian cricket’s inclusive culture.

‘As strength, stamina and physique are all relevant factors when competing in competitive sport, transgender and gender-diverse players will be supported to participate in elite cricket, subject to certain criteria through the implementation of this policy.’

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