- Danielle McGahey has put herself forward for the Big Bash
- The 30-year-old was born male and has represented the Canadian women’s team
- The ICC has banned her from competing, but she is still allowed to play in Australia
Transgender cricketer Danielle McGahey has entered her bid for next weekend’s Women’s Big Bash League draft.
McGahey, 30, made history in 2023 when she became the first transgender person to play women’s cricket internationally, representing Canada in six Twenty20 World Cup qualifiers in Los Angeles.
However, the Brisbane-born cricketer’s international career was halted after the ICC introduced a ban on players who had undergone any form of male puberty from participating in international women’s cricket.
The 30-year-old was born male and underwent a medical transition three years ago.
Cricket Australia, however, has failed to adhere to the international umbrella organisation’s guidelines, meaning McGahey and other transgender women are allowed to play in senior national competitions.
The Women’s Big Bash League falls under the purview of Cricket Australia, so McGahey – who has a batting average of 19.66 at international level – is eligible to compete in the T20 competition.
“When the ICC decided to ban trans women at international level, it was really interesting to see how many franchise leagues responded to that,” McGahey told News Corp.
‘Australia was one of the countries that came out and said, ‘No, we believe trans women should play in women’s cricket and we would welcome a trans woman into the WBBL.’
Danielle McGahey has entered the Women’s Big Bash League draft
The transgender cricketer was banned from international cricket matches by the ICC last year
‘Did I think about nominating then? No, not really. Last year was a rollercoaster of emotions, personal attacks and I spent a lot of time recovering.
‘This year I really got back into cricket with Cricket Brazil. I thought to myself, ‘You know what, if Cricket Australia is okay with it, I want to make sure people know that cricket is still a safe space for queer and trans people.’
McGahey is seen as an outsider with a chance of being drafted, but emphasizes that her main goal is not to be selected.
‘Whether or not I am selected based on my nomination is not so relevant in the bigger picture.
‘It’s really about realising that cricket is still a safe place and that people should be able to enjoy it, regardless of where they’re from, who they are and so on.’
McGahey admitted that the international ban hurt her a lot.
‘When I was playing in Los Angeles there was talk of self-harm and a lot of dangerous thoughts came into my mind because of the comments, the attention and everything I was getting.
She says that selection in the competition is not her primary goal
“It wasn’t like, ‘Oh, she’s making her debut.’ It was hurtful and damaging and intentional.
‘And after September I took a few months off and was in isolation in Canada for a while.
‘Luckily I have my wonderful wife, who has supported me through everything.
“And honestly, without her, I wouldn’t be where I am today, as far as being mentally able to get my name back in the ring. That’s basically what I’m doing with my nomination.
“I’m saying I haven’t left, I’m still playing and I still want to play at the highest level.”