Anaya Bangar to Play in Women's 'Elite' Cricket, Reveals Comeback in 2027
Anaya Bangar, daughter of former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar, has announced her return to women's elite cricket in 2027 after receiving official clearance. The 25-year-old transwoman athlete's comeback follows her gender-affirming surgery and advocacy for transgender inclusion, marking a significant moment for diversity in professional cricket.
In a momentous development poised to redefine inclusivity in the sport, Anaya Bangar, the 25-year-old transwoman cricketer and daughter of former Indian all-rounder Sanjay Bangar, has declared her return to women's elite cricket in 2027. The announcement, made via social media on August 12, 2026, revealed that Bangar has secured clearance from an organisation, paving the way for her to resume her competitive cricketing career after a period of transition and advocacy. Anaya Bangar Takes Gully Cricket Challenge, Video Goes Viral.
Anaya Bangar Announces Comeback
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Anaya Bangar Set To Play Women's Elite Cricket
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"Hi guys, so I have good news to share with you all. Which is that I am making my comeback in women's elite cricket in 2027," Bangar shared in her update. "I have got clearance from an organization. And I can't wait to share everything about it very soon, so stay tuned." While specific details regarding the team, tournament, or the organisation granting clearance remain under wraps, the news marks a significant step forward for Bangar and the wider conversation around transgender athletes in professional sports.
A Journey of Transition and Advocacy
Anaya Bangar's journey back to the cricket field has been closely watched, characterised by her courageous public transition and her vocal stance on transgender rights in sports. Born Aryan Bangar, she began hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in 2023 and underwent gender-affirming vaginoplasty surgery in March 2026. Throughout this period, Bangar has been a prominent advocate, urging cricketing bodies like the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to adopt more inclusive policies.
Her efforts included presenting scientific reports, developed in collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan University, which demonstrated that her physical characteristics and athletic performance metrics, following HRT, fall within the typical range for cisgender female athletes. This data-driven approach has been central to her appeal for eligibility, challenging the ICC's current rules, established in 2023, which generally prohibit transgender players from participating in women's international cricket. Anaya Bangar's Fearless Journey Takes Center Stage in JioHotstar's 'Stories Made by Women' Campaign; Watch Teaser Video.
Past Cricketing Stints and Future Aspirations
Before her transition and subsequent hiatus from elite-level competition, Anaya Bangar was an active cricketer, having played at the junior level in Mumbai for Islam Gymkhana and also for Hinckley Cricket Club in Leicestershire, England. Her deep connection to the sport, inherited from her father Sanjay Bangar, has been a driving force throughout her challenges.
Anaya Bangar's Key Milestones:
2023: Began Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
June 2025: Presented scientific reports confirming athletic eligibility post-HRT.
March 2026: Underwent gender-affirming vaginoplasty surgery.
August 12, 2026: Announced comeback to women's elite cricket in 2027 after receiving clearance.
As of now, the specific league, team, and exact dates for Anaya Bangar's 2027 comeback remain unannounced. Further details are eagerly awaited, and her full return to the pitch will undoubtedly be a closely watched event, holding significant implications for the future of transgender inclusion in professional cricket globally.
Anaya's inspiring resilience and determination to pursue her passion have garnered widespread support. Her re-entry into elite women's cricket in 2027 is poised to not only fulfill her personal dream but also serve as a powerful testament to the evolving landscape of sports, championing diversity and fair opportunity for all athletes.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 13, 2026 04:19 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
