Anaya Bangar has got a chance to return to competitive cricket. Under the new policy of Cricket Australia (CA), he is eligible to play cricket in Australia. Anaya told in an interview that CA has confirmed that she can play in elite women's cricket from March 2027. With this decision of the Australian Cricket Board, Anaya may get a chance to play in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL).
Anaya, daughter of former Team India all-rounder Sanjay Bangar, had undergone gender-affirming surgery in March this year. He told that he has got the confirmation to play in Australia under CA's 'Transgender and Gender Diverse Players in Elite Cricket Policy'. She can now play in the premier cricket competitions of any state or territory of Australia. However, to go to WBBL, he will have to prove himself and win the trust of any franchise.
Also read: Mayank Chakraborty and Pratithi Bordoloi won the title of Junior Asian Chess Championship
'One time cricket is lost forever'
Anaya described the Australian Cricket Board's decision as an emotional moment. She told Bombay Times that there was a time when she felt that she would never be able to play competitive cricket again. Anaya said, 'Now I have become eligible to play in the WBBL to be held in Australia from March 2027. This is a very emotional moment for me, because there was a time when I really thought that I had lost cricket forever.
He further said, 'Cricket has been an important part of my identity since childhood and being away from the game after transition was one of the most difficult experiences for me. According to her, it is not just about joining a women's league, but the possibility of returning to the game she loves so much.
Anaya made it clear that due to the decision of Cricket Australia, she has got the opportunity to play only elite women's cricket. He still has to make a place in the WBBL team on the basis of his performance.
She said, 'Cricket Australia has given me permission to play elite women's cricket in Australia. Now the next challenge is to get myself in the best physical and competitive shape so that a WBBL franchise picks me up. Now I have to train, play well and get that chance.
Also read: Asian Games 2026: Apart from Neeraj Chopra, who has hopes of gold in athletics?
Next goal is to win the trust of WBBL franchises – Anaya
Anaya told that WBBL has contract and draft system for foreign players. In such a situation, she will have to convince a franchise that she can contribute to the team.
Anaya said, 'WBBL has a contract and draft system for foreign players, in which clubs select players from the pool of available international players, just like it happens in IPL or WPL. So ultimately, I have to convince a franchise that I can contribute to their team. For me, this means returning to competitive cricket in the Australian league, working on my batting, bowling, fielding and fitness, training continuously and proving that I can play well at that level.
What are the rules in India?
Australia has a separate system for elite domestic cricket, under which transgender women can participate who meet the eligibility and testosterone related rules. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) does not have any clear rules for transgender women. Anaya told that she did not find any clear path in India and she did not want to put her future on hold by waiting for someone else's decision. He focused on his health, transition, performance, scientific evidence and negotiations with sports organizations.
Anaya said, 'I am happy that I have found a way to return to cricket in Australia. I hope my story will spark further discussion about the inclusion of transgender athletes in sport and how sports bodies can approach transgender participation with fairness and inclusion.