Anaya Bangar has opened up about the uncertainty that once made her fear she would never play cricket again. Cricket Australia’s decision to clear her for women’s community and Premier Cricket has now given her a route back into the sport, with elite cricket potentially in sight from March 2027.
The daughter of former India cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar described the clearance as a major moment in her journey, while stressing that the opportunity does not guarantee her a place in an elite team. Anaya is now preparing to return to women’s cricket in Australia and work towards the possibility of pursuing the Women’s Big Bash League.
“I am preparing to return to women’s cricket in Australia with the aim of pursuing elite cricket from March 2027,” Anaya adressed the press on Cricket Australia’s clearance.
“This has not been an automatic or an informal process. Cricket Australia has a framework designed to balance fairness, competitive integrity, and inclusion in women’s sport, and my case has been considered through that framework.”
For Anaya, the significance of the decision extends beyond her own return. She believes the pathway created by Cricket Australia could also matter to other transgender athletes who hope to continue competing in sport.
“This is a huge milestone, not just for me, but for other athletes like me,” she said.
The clearance has reopened a possibility that Anaya once feared had disappeared completely. Her next challenge, however, will be to return to competitive cricket, meet the applicable eligibility requirements and ultimately earn opportunities through her performances.
HER CRICKET MUST EARN HER A PLACE
Cricket Australia has cleared Anaya to play women’s community and Premier Cricket across all Australian states and territories with immediate effect. Her potential move into elite cricket from March 2027 remains conditional on meeting the governing body’s requirements, including the relevant testosterone criteria.
Anaya understands that distinction and does not view the clearance as automatic entry into an elite squad.
“My understanding from Cricket Australia’s clearance is that my eligibility for elite women’s cricket from March 2027 remains subject to the applicable policy requirements, including a blood test assessment at the same time,” she said.
“Cricket Australia has given me a pathway, which does not mean that I have been given a place in a team. I still have to train, compete, perform and earn that opportunity.”
She was equally clear about how she wants her return to be judged.
“I don’t expect my history or my identity to earn me a place on a cricket team. I want my cricket to earn me a place on a cricket team.”
THE LONG ROAD BACK TO CRICKET
Anaya previously trained and played as a top-order batter and all-rounder in Mumbai’s youth cricket system before moving to the UK, where she continued playing and training with local clubs.
Her journey back to women’s cricket has involved navigating questions around eligibility alongside the demands of returning to competitive sport. She has previously spoken publicly about the scrutiny and uncertainty surrounding her transition and cricket career.
The ICC’s 2023 policy prevents transgender women who have experienced male puberty from participating in women’s international cricket, while Cricket Australia’s domestic framework operates under its own eligibility requirements.
For Anaya, the focus is therefore not simply on making a comeback but on competing for an opportunity through her performances. Her immediate route begins with community and Premier Cricket, with the possibility of pursuing elite women’s cricket from March 2027.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), meanwhile, does not currently have a clearly established public policy specifically governing transgender participation in Indian cricket.
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