Why is Anaya Bangar Joining Australia Women’s Cricket?

Anaya Bangar has been cleared to play domestic women’s cricket in Australia, giving her a pathway to compete and potentially pursue elite competitions like the WBBL.

Indian cricketer Anaya Bangar, daughter of former India cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar, has received clearance to play domestic women’s cricket in Australia after her gender transition.

Anaya underwent gender-affirming surgery in Thailand in March 2026. She had earlier played competitive cricket in Mumbai at the Under-19 level. After her transition, she approached the BCCI for clarity on playing women’s cricket in India but said she did not get a clear pathway.

She then contacted Cricket Australia, which has allowed her to play in community and Premier Cricket competitions. However, this does not mean she has been selected for an Australian team or the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). Elite competitions have additional eligibility rules, including testosterone-level requirements.

The ICC does not allow transgender women who have experienced male puberty to play international women’s cricket. However, domestic cricket is controlled by individual cricket boards, allowing Cricket Australia to set its own rules.

Anaya’s clearance has also started a debate, with South African cricketer Marizanne Kapp criticising the decision. For Anaya, the clearance gives her an opportunity to return to competitive cricket and work towards playing at the highest level.

 

Tags