Anaya Bangar cleared by Cricket Australia for women's cricket

Cricket Australia has cleared transgender cricketer Anaya Bangar to participate in women’s community and Premier Cricket across all states and territories with immediate effect. Under the organization’s inclusion policy, Bangar is eligible to pursue elite franchise selection, such as the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), starting in March 2027, provided she maintains a serum testosterone concentration below 10 nmol/L for at least 12 months.

The decision has sparked significant debate within the sporting community. South African all-rounder Marizanne Kapp expressed strong opposition on social media, calling the clearance “absolutely ridiculous” and suggesting it could undermine the fairness of the women’s game. In response, Bangar urged Kapp to “educate yourself.”

Bangar, the daughter of former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar, underwent gender-affirming surgery in March 2026. While Cricket Australia’s domestic policy allows for this pathway, the International Cricket Council (ICC) maintains a ban on transgender women who have undergone male puberty from competing in international women’s cricket. Bangar stated that the ruling provides an opportunity to work toward elite competition rather than a guaranteed selection.