Cricketer Anaya Bangar has responded to the criticism surrounding her eligibility to play women’s cricket, stating that she has already submitted the required evidence to Cricket Australia to demonstrate compliance with its regulations. Bangar, who underwent gender-affirming surgery in March 2026, has been cleared to participate in community-level women’s cricket across Australia. However, her eligibility for elite-level competitions from March 2027 will remain subject to Cricket Australia’s applicable policy requirements.
As she prepares to return to competitive cricket, Bangar said she remains unfazed by questions surrounding her eligibility. She urged those who have concerns about the issue to understand the relevant policies and evidence before forming opinions.
“I think people who want to raise their voice against it should actually educate themselves on this topic. I have already provided the necessary information in terms of not having any unfair advantage and also complying with the guidelines set by Cricket Australia,” Anaya Bangar told PTI. She added that people with personal reservations should make an effort to learn more about the subject. “If anyone’s personal opinion is in that sort of way, I hope they go and educate themselves.”
ALSO READ: Lalit Modi Urges Media to Correct Records After Bigg Boss and Property Dispute Reports
Bangar approached Cricket Australia’s Head of Integrity, Jacqui Partridge, in June after learning about the governing body’s policy concerning transgender participation in women’s cricket. She said the process of seeking clearance in Australia was comparatively smooth.
Her experience was different in India, where she had approached the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) but did not receive a response. Bangar described the lack of communication as disappointing and expressed hope that the Indian cricket board will consider developing a policy for similar cases in the future.
South African cricket star Marizanne Kapp has strongly criticised Cricket Australia’s decision to provide transgender cricketer Anaya Bangar with a pathway to compete in women’s cricket, saying the move “should not be allowed.”
Kapp, one of South Africa’s leading all-rounders,… pic.twitter.com/VNXAVUTRVr
— NewsWire 🇱🇰 (@NewsWireLK) August 29, 2026
“It’s very disappointing and heartbreaking that I was served with silence. I knew that transitioning was going to make me steer away from cricket. I hope that BCCI is open to this and tries to form policies surrounding this topic, since I am the first case in India,” she said.
Bangar also offered to share her experience and insights with the BCCI if it decides to establish a framework for transgender participation in women’s cricket.
ALSO READ: BCCI Plans County Stint for Auqib Nabi Ahead Of India’s New Zealand Test Series
“I would be happy to be a part of the team and provide my insights and guidance throughout my whole journey and what would work best for our country and women’s sport in the future.” For now, Bangar’s immediate focus is on returning to competitive cricket in Australia and progressing through the eligibility pathway available under Cricket Australia’s regulations.
