5 days ago
Anaya Bangar Finds Path Back to Women’s Cricket
Anaya Bangar is a transgender cricketer who wants to play women’s cricket.
She began transitioning in 2022 and had gender-affirming surgery in March.
She said the process was lonely and made her step away from cricket.
Bangar said the BCCI did not respond when she asked for help.
Cricket Australia reviewed her case and allowed her to play at the community shield level.
She now hopes to join a local club in Australia.
If she performs well and meets the required testosterone limits, she may have a chance to play in the Women’s Big Bash League.
Some people have criticized her plans, but Bangar says critics should learn more about the issue.
She described her return as a series of small steps toward playing again.
Anaya Bangar said the BCCI did not respond when she sought help joining India’s women’s cricket setup.
Cricket Australia cleared Bangar to compete in women’s community-level cricket under its transgender-player policy.
Bangar began transitioning in 2022 and underwent gender-affirming surgery in March this year.
She hopes to play for a local club and potentially qualify for the Women’s Big Bash League in March.
South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp criticized Bangar’s push for a WBBL opportunity, while Bangar urged critics to educate themselves.
- Who
- Transgender cricketer Anaya Bangar, the daughter of former India player and coach Sanjay Bangar, is seeking to return to women’s cricket.
- What
- Cricket Australia cleared Anaya Bangar to play community-level women’s cricket, while she criticized the BCCI for not responding to her request for assistance.
- Where
- The prospective return involves cricket in Australia, including community cricket and potentially the Women’s Big Bash League.
- When
- Bangar began transitioning in 2022, underwent surgery in March this year, and approached Cricket Australia in June; the report was published on August 28.
- Why
- Bangar wants to resume playing cricket as a woman and hopes her experience can help inform future policies in India.
Support for Bangar’s return
Concerns about her participation
Eligibility for women’s cricket
Support for Bangar’s return
Cricket Australia cleared Bangar under its guidelines, and Bangar said she has provided information indicating she has no unfair advantage and will comply with the requirements.
Concerns about her participation
South Africa cricketer Marizanne Kapp called Bangar’s push for a Women’s Big Bash League opportunity “absolutely ridiculous.”
Role of cricket boards
Support for Bangar’s return
Bangar welcomed Cricket Australia’s decision and urged the BCCI to create policies for transgender athletes, offering to share insights from her experience.
Concerns about her participation
Bangar said the BCCI’s lack of response was disappointing and heartbreaking, indicating that India currently lacks a clear pathway for her case.
Public reaction
Support for Bangar’s return
Bangar said critics should educate themselves about transgender participation in sport before opposing her inclusion.
Concerns about her participation
Critics and skeptics have questioned her participation, although the report does not detail all of their arguments.
Key facts
- Age
- 25
- Transition
- Began in 2022
- Gender-affirming surgery
- Underwent surgery in March this year
- Cricket Australia decision
- Cleared Bangar to compete at the community shield level
- Next step
- Join a local Australian club and play club cricket
- Potential tournament
- Women’s Big Bash League, subject to meeting prescribed testosterone limits
- BCCI response
- Bangar said she was met with silence after seeking assistance
Quotes
Anaya Bangar
Trans-athlete cricketer and left-arm spin bowling all-rounder
“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.”
theprint.in
“…when you’re transitioning, and when you’re a trans-athlete, during this political climate in this world, it can get very isolating. You feel very lonely, you feel like there’s no one who really understands out there.”
theprint.in
Sources
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