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Anaya Bangar became the first Indian trans-cricketer to play in Women’s Community Cricket. She has been provided the green light by Cricket Australia (CA) to play the game. After CA allowed her to play, South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team icon Marizanne Kapp was fuming about the fact and questioned Bangar’s push for a WBBL opportunity. Now the former has replied with the same.
The 25-year-old is the daughter of former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar and a former Mumbai youth-level player. However, she changed her gender back in March 2026, in Thailand, and has been outspoken for transgender athletes in the midst of a worldwide controversy over transgender rights in sports. She will look forward to many more opportunities.
Anaya Bangar slams Marizanne Kapp
Marizanne Kapp, while replying to CA’s post, stated that it is ridiculous to allow a player and voiced that it should not be allowed. Now replying to Kapp, Anaya Bangar said that the people and cricketers who are questioning her integrity, and also Cricket Australia, should go and educate themselves before making any comments on the fact.
Anaya, while speaking with PTI, said, "I think people who want to raise their voice against it should actually educate themselves on this topic, and I've already provided the necessary information in terms of not having any unfair advantage, and also complying with the guidelines set by Cricket Australia."
"If anyone's personal opinion is in that sort of way, I hope they go and educate themselves," she replied. She is planning to feature in the WBBL next season, but will only be allowed to play if her testosterone levels remain within prescribed limits."
"Yeah, it is very disappointing": Anaya Bangar expresses disappointment over BCCI
Apart from slamming Kapp, Anaya also shared her disappointment with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as the board did not reply to her and served her with silence, and she hopes that the BCCI changes its policies to allow some transgender cricketers to play for the country, as she is the first case in India.
"Yeah, it is very disappointing and heartbreaking that I was sold with silence. And I knew that transitioning was gonna make me steer away from cricket. So I was, I'm, I'm just grateful that at least I'm getting this opportunity to play and I hope that BCCI is open to this and tries to form policies surrounding this topic since I'm the first case in India."
Anaya Bangar sights eye for India Women team
She further added that she would be happy to share her experience and insights with the team and through her journey and for the development of women’s cricket in the future. The BCCI currently does not have a formal regulatory policy or official guidelines regarding the participation of transgender cricketers in domestic women's cricket.
"I'd be happy to be a part of the team and provide my insights and gatherings throughout my whole journey and what would work best for our country and women's sport in the future."
Anaya Bangar further added, "To be honest, transitioning was always about being happy and comfortable in my own skin. And I had to take the necessary steps during that time in my life to basically give up the sport that I loved."
