Transgender women have been barred from playing in international women's matches under a new policy from the International Cricket Council (ICC), the BBC reported.

Any player who has gone through male puberty will not be eligible for women's international matches regardless of any surgery or treatment undertaken. In September, Canada's Danielle McGahey became the first trans cricketer to play an official international game. McGahey, 29, has now quit the sport, saying on Instagram, "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.

"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. Never stop fighting!"

Following a nine-month consultation process, the governing body said its new policy, which takes effect immediately, was based on "protection of the integrity of the women's game, safety, fairness and inclusion."

The revamped cricket regulations are in lockstep with the new trans-related rules in other sports and activities, including swimming, rugby, cycling and even chess.

—Andrew Davis