Transgender cricketer Anaya Bangar has addressed criticism regarding her upcoming participation in elite women's cricket in Australia, asserting that scientific data demonstrates she does not hold a physical advantage over cisgender female players. The 25-year-old cricketer has been approved by Cricket Australia to compete in domestic women's matches starting in March 2027, contingent on a final testosterone level assessment.
Bangar, who underwent gender reassignment surgery in 2026, expressed her intention to use the public attention surrounding her eligibility to foster education and awareness. She stated that she is willing to allow her case to serve as an example for others who have undergone similar transitions without conferring an unfair advantage, and she hopes for eventual understanding from the public.
Bangar, the daughter of former Indian Test cricketer Sanjay Bangar, began her cricket career at a young age, competing at under-16 and under-19 levels for Mumbai. She initiated her gender transition during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Bangar disclosed that she experienced gender dysphoria from childhood but suppressed these feelings due to the prominence of her father in the cricket world. She described a difficult journey involving consultations with psychiatrists and psychologists, ultimately leading to a diagnosis of gender dysphoria and approval for hormone replacement therapy.
Her father, Sanjay Bangar, who played 12 Tests and 15 one-day internationals for India, has been on a path toward full acceptance of his daughter's transition. Bangar described their relationship as a journey, noting that while he has not yet fully reached acceptance, it has been a challenging process for him.
Following over a year of hormone replacement therapy and testosterone suppression, Bangar participated in research at the Manchester University Institute of Sport. Researchers evaluated her lung capacity, power output, and hemoglobin levels, comparing them to data from cisgender female athletes. Bangar stated that her test results fell within the established range, emphasizing that her claims are supported by scientific evidence rather than personal opinion. She advocates for a case-by-case assessment of transgender athletes' eligibility, aligning with Cricket Australia's approach to her situation.
Bangar also refuted the notion that individuals transition solely to gain access to women's sports, citing the significant stigma and lack of public education surrounding the transition process. She argued that such assumptions are inaccurate.
Critics have voiced concerns that Bangar's inclusion could displace cisgender female athletes from selection opportunities. One anonymous critic wrote, "Inclusion that causes exclusion is not progress. Taking the place of a female in female sport, a category women fought hard to achieve, isn't progress. It's an affront to female participation and the ability of females to play on an even field." Another expressed concern that their daughter might miss higher honors due to a transgender woman being selected ahead of her.
Conversely, Bangar has also received messages of support. One supporter noted her reduced testosterone levels and her three-year hiatus from cricket as factors that should be considered, stating, "Let her play. If you are willing to go through all that she has, up to this point in life, by all means let her play."
Bangar has not yet secured a contract for the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) and must earn selection through performances in club and Premier Cricket competitions. She is reportedly considering relocating to Melbourne and has initiated discussions with Australian clubs. Bangar acknowledged the challenges of competing with a new physique in Australia's high-standard women's cricket environment. She reiterated her commitment to earning a spot through her performance, rather than her personal story or public profile.