Anaya Bangar to play community cricket in Australia

Former Mumbai Under-19 cricketer Anaya Bangar has been given permission to play community cricket in Australia after Cricket Australia approved her participation. The 25-year-old, who underwent gender-affirming surgery in 2022, can now compete in Premier Cricket matches across all Australian states and territories. Bangar expressed her joy at the news, stating that the development marks a significant turning point in her career, as she feared her cricketing aspirations might have ended due to the conflicts between her transition and her desire to play.

Cricket Australia's inclusive policies have opened up a pathway for trans women athletes like Bangar to participate in women's sport, which is a major milestone for the sport. However, Bangar's eligibility for elite cricket, including potential participation in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), will depend on meeting the required criteria from March 2027.

To be eligible, she must undergo a blood test upon arrival in Australia, confirming that her serum testosterone concentration remains below 10 nmol/L, in line with Cricket Australia's policy. Cricket Australia informed Bangar about her eligibility for Premier Cricket, which is classified as community cricket. While her participation in Premier Cricket is unaffected by this determination, her eligibility for elite cricket is contingent on meeting the specified criteria.