South Africa’s star all-rounder Marizanne Kapp Transgender cricketer Anaya Bangar Has expressed strong objection to being given a way to return to women’s cricket in Australia. Responding to Cricket Australia’s decision, CUP called it ‘absolutely ridiculous’ and said this should not be allowed to happen.
The case is related to Anaya Bangar, daughter of former Indian cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar. According to Australian media reports, Cricket Australia has given Anaya a definite path to return to competitive women’s cricket under its Inclusion of Transgender and Gender Diverse Players in Elite Cricket Policy.
Anaya had undergone gender-affirming surgery in March this year. Under the current decision of Cricket Australia, she can play community cricket in any state or territory of Australia till March 2027. After this, if she fulfills all the conditions set in the policy, then she can be considered eligible to play in elite women’s cricket.
What is Cricket Australia’s condition?
- According to Cricket Australia, for a player wishing to play in elite women’s cricket, it is necessary that her serum testosterone level remains below 10 nmol/L for at least 12 consecutive months.
- Anaya’s case was reviewed by Cricket Australia’s expert panel. This included integrity, legal, domestic cricket operations and medical experts.
- Cricket Australia told Anaya that based on the available medical information, this 12-month condition will be fulfilled in March 2027.
- However, even after March 2027, their eligibility will not be automatically confirmed. They will have to prove that their testosterone levels are within the prescribed limits through a blood test and will also have to fulfill all other conditions of the policy.
- Anaya said his most recent blood test in July showed a total testosterone level of 0.6 nmol/L. This was within the female reference range of the respective lab.
Anaya said- eligibility does not mean a place in the team
- Anaya clearly refused to see Cricket Australia’s decision as getting selection in the team. He said that he has only got a way to return to cricket, not a guarantee of a place in the team. He will now have to train, compete and earn a place in the team on the basis of his performance.
- Anaya also said that she does not want her identity or past history to get her a place in any team, rather she wants her cricket to take her there. She also acknowledged the ongoing debate about the level of competition in women’s cricket and the fairness of the game. However, he argues that it is not necessary to consider inclusion and fairness as opposed to each other.
- Anaya said that after the transition, one of the most difficult questions facing him was whether there would be any place for him in cricket again. He told that he spent years trying to find a way to make a comeback and now Cricket Australia’s decision has given him a chance to try again.
Marijane Kapp expressed disagreement
On the other hand, South Africa’s leading cricketer Marizanne Kapp had a completely different opinion on this decision. While sharing a report related to Cricket Australia on social media, he wrote, “Absolutely ridiculous. This should not be allowed.” After Cup’s comments, the debate regarding the participation of transgender players in women’s cricket, competitive equality and fairness of the game has intensified.
If Anaya fulfills all the prescribed eligibility conditions in March 2027, then the way may open for her to move forward in Australia’s elite women’s cricket. This also includes the possibility of reaching big tournaments like the Women’s Big Bash League in the future. However, to reach there, they will have to get selected on the basis of their eligibility as well as their performance on the field.