Danielle McGahey: Canada player to become first Transgender to play international match

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Canada will be taking part in the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup qualifier tournament, and we are supposed to witness history being made.

In the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup qualification tournament, Canada's Danielle McGahey is set to become the first transgender player to play in an international match.

Danielle McGahey was born as a male and but successfully made a transformation in recent years. And the 29-year-old batter is set to make her international debut in the Pan American qualifying tournament against Brazil on the opening day of the four-team tournament, which also features hosts USA and Argentina.

McGahey was born in Australia but immigrated to Canada in February 2020. The Canada cricketer socially transitioned to a woman in November 2020, and started the medical transition in May 2021.

"I am absolutely honoured. To be able to represent my community is something I never dreamed I would be able to do," McGahey told BBC Sport.

The opening batter also says that she has adhered to all medical eligibility set by ICC for transgender players and she has been allowed to take part after repeated tests of her hormonal levels.

"In order to determine [my testosterone levels], I've been doing blood tests every month now for over two years. I also have to put in my player profile who I have played against and how many runs I've scored," McGahey added.

"A lot of work with my doctor sending my medical information through to the ICC.. they have a dedicated medical officer who looks over all of the information provided, and determines whether or not I have provided enough for an expert panel to make a decision.

"The need to do blood tests every month is probably the biggest challenge because when you are playing cricket you are travelling a lot," the Canada player further said.

Although many sports like Rugby, Athletics, and Swimming have banned transgender personnel from taking part in the sport, ICC has shown leniency and allows transgenders to play women's cricket after their amendment of the eligibility criteria in 2021.