Anaya Bangar, daughter of former India cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar, is preparing to return to competitive cricket in Australia, with the aim of pursuing elite women’s cricket from March 2027.
Bangar, who underwent gender-affirming surgery earlier this year, has been cleared by Cricket Australia to participate in women’s community cricket, including Premier Cricket competitions across Australian states and territories.
However, her eligibility to compete at elite level, including pursuing selection for the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), will depend on meeting Cricket Australia’s policy requirements.
Under Cricket Australia’s policy, a player seeking to compete in the female category of elite cricket must establish that their serum testosterone concentration has remained below 10 nmol/L continuously for at least 12 months.
Based on medical information provided by Bangar, Cricket Australia determined that the 12-month requirement would be satisfied in March 2027. She will then be required to undergo a blood test confirming that her testosterone level remains below the required threshold and that she continues to satisfy the policy.
Speaking to reporters, Bangar stressed that Cricket Australia’s decision provides an opportunity to pursue elite cricket rather than guaranteeing her a position in a team.
“Eligibility is not selection,” she said, adding that she would still have to train, compete and perform to earn an opportunity.
Bangar said her ambition is to eventually pursue selection for elite women’s cricket, including the WBBL pathway.
The former Mumbai age-group cricketer previously played alongside players including Sarfaraz Khan and Musheer Khan.
Cricket Australia’s domestic policy differs from the International Cricket Council’s regulations governing international cricket. The ICC decided in 2023 that transgender women who have undergone male puberty are not eligible to compete in international women’s cricket. (Newswire)