Sanjay Bangar's child Anaya Bangar reflects on gender transition and the unwavering role of cricket
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The 23-year-old Anaya Bangar shared her painful experience of living life as a trans woman. Anaya Bangar, who is the child of former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar, claimed how difficult her life has been during this emotional journey.
During a post on social media, she also asked the ICC to make some rule changes to allow trans women to be a part of professional cricket as well. In November 2023, the ICC made an announcement that any player who has transitioned from male to female and has gone through any sort of male puberty won't be allowed to participate in women's cricket.
The rule applies despite any surgery or gender reassignment treatment undertaken by the person. Recently, the ECB also banned transgender women from playing top-level domestic cricket for women from 2025.
Anaya Bangar reflects on life’s transitions
Bangar took to social media and went through her tough journey as a trans woman. In her story, she shared some of her pictures with the legendary Indian cricketers MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli alongside the change from a man to a woman.
Sanjay Bangar's son undergoes harmone replacement surgery.
— Amit T (@amittalwalkar) November 10, 2024
Aryan becomes Anaya!
Have a look at Ananya's instagram post!#Cricket #CricketTwitter #SanjayBangar pic.twitter.com/esePJjf4Ua
Anaya Bangar was earlier known as Aryan Bangar from childhood when she was a male. She is a left-handed batter and played for a local cricket club called 'Islam Gymkhana'. Afterwards, she represented Hinckley Cricket Club in Leicestershire. She currently lives in Manchester, England.
Anaya Bangar shares her painful experience
A few months ago, Anaya Bangar had shared her painful life on social media and posted about the unfair means against trans women cricketers. She claimed that she is unable to play cricket in a professional way due to the unfair rules made by the ICC.
“I never though I’d have to consider giving up the sport that has been my passion, my love, and my escape. But here I am, facing a painful reality… The game I’ve loved for so long is slipping away from me," Anaya wrote in her post.
View this post on Instagram
“What hurts more is that there are no proper regulations for trans women in cricket. It feels like the system is forcing me out, not because I lack the drive or talent, but because the rules haven’t caught up with the reality of who I am," she continued.
ICC's decision on transgenders in cricket
The inclusion of transgender athletes has been a huge topic of discussion in sports over the years. While some reports claim that transgender athletes should be allowed to showcase their skills, some of them claim it to be an unfair means to non-transgender persons.
The ICC has not denied the participation of transgenders totally but stated that they would review the rule within two years. It remains to be seen if transgenders could be allowed in cricket or not. It will be a big step in the world of cricket if the ICC allows a rule change.
