Anaya Bangar Slams BCCI Over ‘Silence’ on Her Women’s Cricket Eligibility Request
Anaya Bangar, a 25-year-old transgender cricketer and daughter of Sanjay Bangar, has slammed the BCCI for its 'heartbreaking silence' regarding her plea for a policy on transgender athletes in women's cricket. She underwent gender-affirming surgery in March 2026 and was cleared by Cricket Australia to play from July 2026.
Mumbai-born cricketer Anaya Bangar, daughter of former India all-rounder Sanjay Bangar, has hit out at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for its 'disappointing and heartbreaking' silence regarding her appeals for clarity on transgender participation in women's cricket. Bangar, a 25-year-old left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder, recently received a pathway back into competitive cricket through Cricket Australia, but remains without a clear direction from her home board. Marizanne Kapp Strongly Opposes Cricket Australia's Decision to Clear WBBL Pathway for Anaya Bangar.
Anaya Bangar Slams BCCI
Anaya, who began her transition in 2022 and underwent gender-affirming surgery in March 2026, had approached the BCCI last year and again following her surgery, seeking information on the board's policy framework for transgender cricketers. However, according to Bangar, her pleas were met with no response, leaving her in a state of uncertainty about her cricketing future in India.
A Call for Inclusivity and Policy
Speaking to the Press Trust of India (PTI), Bangar conveyed her profound disappointment. 'It is very disappointing and heartbreaking that I was served with silence. I knew that transitioning was going to make me steer away from cricket,' she stated. She further urged the BCCI to be proactive in addressing this evolving landscape. 'I hope that the BCCI is open to this and tries to form policies surrounding this topic, since my case is a first in India,' she added, offering her insights to assist in policy formulation.
Bangar, who previously played age-group cricket for Mumbai, underscored the isolating experience of being a trans athlete, especially in the current global climate. 'When you're transitioning, and when you're a trans-athlete, during this political climate in this world, it can get very isolating. You feel very lonely, you feel like there's no one who really understands out there,' she shared.
Cricket Australia's Positive Response
In stark contrast to the BCCI's inaction, Cricket Australia (CA) assessed Bangar's case in detail after she approached them in June 2026. Following a thorough review of her testosterone reports, surgery history, and athletic testing data, CA cleared her to play community cricket in Australia immediately from July 2026. She is also eligible to target elite cricket, such as the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL), from March 2027, provided she meets specific testosterone-related eligibility requirements. Anaya Bangar Eligible to Play Women’s Cricket in Australia From 2027.
Anaya Bangar's Eligibility Timeline:
- March 2026: Underwent gender-affirming surgery in Thailand.
- June 2026: Approached Cricket Australia for clarity.
- July 2026: Cleared by Cricket Australia to play community cricket.
- March 2027: Eligible for elite cricket (e.g., WBBL) in Australia, subject to ICC and CA policies on testosterone levels.
International Cricket Council's Stance
The International Cricket Council (ICC) introduced regulations in November 2023 that prevent transgender women who have undergone male puberty from participating in elite women's international cricket. While this pertains to the international stage, Bangar's immediate focus is domestic cricket, where the BCCI's lack of policy creates a significant hurdle. A top BCCI official reportedly stated that the Indian board currently has no provision for such cases and is yet to decide on a stand for domestic cricket.
Anaya Bangar's courageous stance brings to light a critical and emerging challenge for sports governing bodies globally, particularly in India. Her experience underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and inclusive policies that ensure all athletes, regardless of gender identity, have a fair opportunity to pursue their passion within the sport.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 29, 2026 11:05 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).