Transgender cricketer Anaya Bangar has received provisional approval from Cricket Australia to play women’s community cricket, with eligibility for elite competitions like the WBBL contingent on meeting testosterone thresholds, while the BCCI remains undecided on its stance toward trans athletes.
The decision marks a pivotal moment for the trans athlete, who had previously faced uncertainty about her cricketing future after a period of isolation from the sport.
A Second Chance in Cricket
Bangar, who transitioned in 2022, described the approval as “a great day” in a statement to The Indian Express. She said that there was a stage when she thought she would never play cricket again, but thanks to Cricket Australia, it had given her another chance. The Mumbai-born athlete, daughter of former India all-rounder Sanjay Bangar, had expressed frustration with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after writing to the body last year to inquire about eligibility for trans athletes, receiving no response.
Cricket Australia’s Transgender and Gender Diverse Players in Elite Cricket Policy requires athletes to maintain serum testosterone levels below 10 nmol/L for at least 12 months to qualify for elite competitions such as the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). Until March 2027, Bangar remains eligible for Premier Cricket, classified as community cricket, without meeting these criteria.
BCCI’s Uncertain Stance
The BCCI has yet to establish a formal policy on transgender participation in women’s cricket, according to a senior official quoted in The Indian Express. She said that when it comes to the ICC, they have said no to it. BCCI is yet to decide what can be done in such cases. The International Cricket Council (ICC) banned transgender players from the elite women’s game if they have gone through male puberty, a rule that complicates Bangar’s aspirations to compete internationally.
Despite the lack of clarity from the BCCI, Bangar has sought to engage with the board and the ICC, citing research conducted by the Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport. She shared her hormone therapy data and medical history with Cricket Australia, which reviewed her case thoroughly. She said that they asked for her blood test report and testosterone test report. They asked for the papers for the surgeries that she has done. They asked for her Manchester University report. She emphasized the contrast with the BCCI’s silence.
Eligibility and the Road Ahead
Cricket Australia’s Head of Integrity, Jacqui Partridge, confirmed in a letter to Bangar that her participation in Premier Cricket is not affected by this determination but stressed that elite eligibility is conditional upon her providing a blood test upon her arrival in Australia. The timeline for her WBBL aspirations remains uncertain, as the franchise system in Australia prioritizes international players and requires direct negotiations with teams.
Bangar, currently recovering from the gender affirming surgery, is exploring opportunities to join a club in Australia. She said that she genuinely couldn’t believe that she’ll be able to play again. She said that this is a huge milestone, not just for her, but for other athletes like her who want to try but aren’t doing so because they have to either choose the sport or choose transition. Her case has sparked broader discussions about inclusivity in cricket, with advocates pushing for policies grounded in data rather than outdated perceptions.
A Precedent in Progress
Anaya Bangar’s journey underscores the evolving landscape of transgender inclusion in sports, particularly in cricket. While Cricket Australia’s policy offers a framework for participation, the absence of a unified stance from the BCCI and ICC leaves many questions unresolved. Her case may serve as a catalyst for broader reforms, but for now, her focus remains on proving herself on the field.
As she navigates this new chapter, Bangar’s story highlights the intersection of identity, sport, and institutional policy. Whether she secures a spot in the WBBL or not, her resilience and advocacy have already reshaped the conversation around trans athletes in cricket.
