Danielle McGahey is first transgender woman to play internationally

Danielle McGahey, a Canadian cricketer, sets a record by becoming the first transgender woman to play cricket internationally.

Danielle McGahey has been named in Canada’s squad for the Women’s T20 Americas Qualifier, a part of the qualification process for the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

On Thursday, the ICC (International Cricket Council), the global governing body of cricket, said that Danielle McGahey was eligible to play in Canada’s squad for the Women’s T20 Americas Qualifier. Danielle McGahey had reportedly fulfilled the eligibility criteria for male-to-female (MTF) transition to play cricket internationally. 

A ICC spokesperson said, “Danielle went through the process as required under the ICC’s Player Eligibility Regulations.”

Creating history, Danielle McGahey reportedly expressed happiness and satisfaction after being selected to play as a transgender athlete at international level. 

Who is Danielle McGahey?

Danielle McGahey is a famous 29 year old Canadian cricketer, who moved from Australia to Canada in 2020. The 29-year-old batter transitioned from male to female in 2020. In 2021, the batter also underwent a medical transition from male to female. 

Danielle McGahey played four matches for the Canada team at the South American Women’s Championship in 2022. Team Canada won the tournament. 

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier will be played in Los Angeles, the most populous city in the U.S. state of California, from September 4 to 11. Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States will play at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier, which is the pathway tournament to the 2024 T20 World Cup.

The winner in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier will progress to the global Qualifier, where teams from other regional Qualifiers will play to get the spots in the next T20 World Cup, the ninth edition of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup tournament scheduled to be played in Bangladesh in 2024. 

Canada team

Divya Saxena (Captain)

Amarpal Kaur (Vice-Captain)

Habeeba Bader

Nicole Gallagher

Mannat Hundal

Krima Kapadia

Danielle McGahey

Rhea Misra

Achini Perera

Rabbjyot Rajput

Kainat Qazi

Vijayani Vithanage

Sana Zafar (Wicket-keeper)

Saniyah Zia

United States team

   Sindhu Sriharsha (Captain and Wicket-keeper)

    Geetika Kodali (Vice-Captain)

    Jivana Aras

    Aditiba Chudasama

    Gargi Bhogle

    Disha Dhingra

    Uzma Iftikhar

    Anika Kolan

    Chetna Reddy Pagydyala

    Ritu Singh

    Suhani Thadani

    Isani Vaghela

    Onika Wallerson

    Jessica Willathgamuwa