Transgender cricketer Danielle McGahey has put an end to her international career after the sport's governing body stated that players who had undergone male puberty would not be permitted to participate in elite-level women's cricket.
The decision by the International Cricket Council (ICC), announced during a board meeting on Tuesday, aligns with rulings made in recent years by global authorities in swimming, rugby union, cycling, and athletics.
The ICC said in a statement: "The changes to the gender eligibility regulations resulted from an extensive consultation process and is founded in science and aligned with the core principles developed during the review.
"Inclusivity is incredibly important to us as a sport, but our priority was to protect the integrity of the international women's game and the safety of players."
The ICC said the ruling, which followed a nine-month consultation process and applies only to international cricket, would be reviewed after two years.
McGahey, a 29-year-old Australian native who previously played grade cricket among men in Melbourne before relocating to Canada in February 2020, expressed determination for the ongoing fight towards transgender inclusion in women's sport.
Following the ICC's implementation of new guidelines affecting gender eligibility, McGahey used Instagram to announce the end of her international career.
"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," she wrote.
"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!"
McGahey became the first transgender player to take part in an official international match when she played in all six of Canada's matches during the Women's T20 World Cup Americas region qualifiers.
McGahey made 118 runs at 19.67 with a top score of 48 as Canada missed out on qualification after finishing second in the four-team event.
