Anaya Bangar to Play in WBBL? Here’s What She Has To Say
Transgender cricketer Anaya Bangar, 25, has expressed profound relief and excitement following Cricket Australia's landmark decision, clearing her to play female community cricket immediately and outlining a pathway to elite women's competitions like the WBBL from March 2027.
Transgender cricketer Anaya Bangar today spoke out with profound emotion, two days after Cricket Australia (CA) announced its landmark decision to clear her for participation in female community cricket. The 25-year-old, daughter of former Indian all-rounder and batting coach Sanjay Bangar, can now immediately resume her playing career in Australia and has been offered a pathway to elite women's competitions, including the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL), from March 2027. Anaya Bangar Eligible to Play Women’s Cricket in Australia From 2027.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, August 27, 2026, Bangar described the development as 'incredibly emotional,' having feared her cricketing journey had ended after her gender affirmation. 'It's a great day for me, especially after knowing the fact that I can play cricket. There was a stage where I thought I would never play cricket again, but thanks to Cricket Australia, it has given me another chance, 'Bangar told the Associated Press on Tuesday, August 25.
A Return to the Pitch
Bangar, who previously represented Mumbai in age-group cricket as Aryan Bangar, underwent gender-affirming surgery in March 2026. Her journey to return to competitive cricket saw her approach the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) last year, but she received no response regarding eligibility criteria for trans athletes. In June of this year, she reached out to Cricket Australia, which, after a comprehensive review of her medical records, blood tests, and surgery documents, provided a clear determination on July 20, 2026.
Cricket Australia's decision allows Bangar to participate in Premier Cricket competitions (classified as Community Cricket) in any state or territory immediately. Her eligibility for elite cricket from March 2027 is conditional upon providing a blood test upon arrival in Australia, confirming her serum testosterone concentration remains below 10 nmol/L, and that she continues to satisfy the policy's eligibility requirements for at least 12 months prior.
Contrasting Policies and Future Prospects
Cricket Australia's "Transgender and Gender Diverse Players in Elite Cricket Policy" provides a pathway for athletes like Bangar, a stance that contrasts with the International Cricket Council (ICC). In 2023, the ICC implemented a ban on transgender players who have gone through male puberty from participating in elite women's cricket. This highlights a varied approach among cricketing bodies to the complex issue of transgender inclusion in sports.
Bangar emphasized that while CA has provided a pathway, it does not guarantee a spot in any team. 'Cricket Australia has given me a pathway, which does not mean that I have been given a place in a team. I still have to train, compete, perform and earn that opportunity,' she stated, highlighting her commitment to rigorous training and performance to achieve her dream of playing in the WBBL. Anaya Bangar to Play in Women's 'Elite' Cricket, Reveals Comeback in 2027.
Bangar is currently recovering from surgery and actively seeking an Australian club to join. Her highly anticipated return to the cricket field is poised to be a significant moment for inclusion and diversity in Australian sport.
Key Facts: Anaya Bangar's Return to Cricket
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Player | Anaya Bangar (25 years old) |
| Family | Daughter of former India all-rounder Sanjay Bangar |
| CA Decision | Cleared to play female community cricket (effective immediately) |
| Elite Pathway | Eligibility for elite cricket (e.g., WBBL) from March 2027 |
| Conditions | Serum testosterone below 10 nmol/L for 12 months (for elite cricket) |
| Prior Cricket | Represented Mumbai in age-group cricket (as Aryan Bangar) |
| Surgery | Underwent gender-affirming surgery in March 2026 |
| ICC Policy | Banned transgender players (male puberty) from elite women's cricket (2023) |
| BCCI Stance | No formal policy on transwomen playing female cricket yet |
Anaya Bangar's inspiring journey and Cricket Australia's progressive decision mark a pivotal moment for transgender athletes in cricket, setting a precedent for other sporting bodies globally. Her determination to return to the sport she loves, coupled with CA's supportive framework, offers a new chapter for inclusivity on the cricket pitch.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 27, 2026 10:28 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).