ECB bars transgender women from women's cricket

Transgender women have been barred from competing in all levels of women's cricket with immediate effect, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced.

In an update to its transgender regulations, the ECB said "only those whose biological sex is female" will be able to participate in women's and girls' cricket.

The ECB say transgender women and girls can continue playing in open and mixed cricket categories.

The policy change follows a UK Supreme Court ruling on 15 April which said the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex.

"Our regulations for recreational cricket have always aimed at ensuring that cricket remains as inclusive a sport as possible," the ECB said in a statement.

"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."

The ECB added that abuse and discrimination "has no place in our sport" and that it is committed to ensuring cricket is "played in a spirit of respect and inclusivity".