Anaya, who is the daughter of former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar, played age-group men’s cricket for Mumbai before undergoing a gender-affirming surgery in March this year, completing a transition process that began in 2022.
Set to resume her cricketing journey in faraway Australia after being cleared to play at the community level, trans-athlete Anaya Bangar says she does not have a team yet but is confident of making the breakthroughs that would open up the Women’s Big Bash League for her next year. “Today is an important day for me because after several years away from competitive cricket, I can finally speak about a pathway back to the sport that has been such a significant part of my life,” the 25-year-old told reporters in a press conference on Wednesday night.
Anaya Bangar says she does not have a team yet but is confident of making the breakthroughs that would open up the Women’s Big Bash League for her next year.
“I am preparing to return to women’s cricket in Australia with the aim of pursuing elite cricket from March 2027. My most recent blood test in July recorded total testosterone at 0.6 nanomoles,” she said. “I have also undergone gender affirming surgery…which means my previous primary source of testosterone is no longer present.
“My understanding is that Cricket Australia’s review considered a comprehensive body of information relating to my circumstances, including my medical history, surgical history, hormone and testosterone levels, my cricketing background and training footage as well, and the scientific and athletic performance work undertaken with Manchester Metropolitan University’s Institute of Sport,” she said. Anaya said her recent examination suggests she could maintain similar testosterone levels when she undergoes another test in March next year, which would eventually pave the way for her joining elite women’s cricket. “If that March 2027 test confirms that I continue to meet the required testosterone criteria, I will be eligible to pursue selection for elite women’s cricket, including the Women’s Big Bash League pathway,” she explained. Cricket Australia has given me a pathway, which does not mean that I have been given a place in a team,” she said.
I am not claiming that I have made a team. I am saying that I have been given the opportunity to compete for one. and I intend to work for it,” she added. “Eligibility is not selection.
