‘Lonely & brutal’: Anaya opens up on trans journey as CA clears path back to cricket

New Delhi: Anaya Bangar, a trans athlete, is on the verge of returning to competitive cricket, marking the end of a deeply personal and emotionally challenging journey. 25-year-old Anaya, whose father is former Indian cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar, started her transition in 2022, a period described by her as "lonely and brutal." However, she also emphasized the importance of her solitude during this time, stating that it helped her navigate the difficult path of self-discovery and acceptance.

In June, Anaya approached Cricket Australia's Head of Integrity Jacqui Partridge after learning about the governing body's policy for transgender and gender-diverse players. Following this approach, Cricket Australia cleared Anaya for a pathway into women's cricket, contingent on meeting eligibility requirements.

Anaya expressed gratitude towards Cricket Australia for providing her a chance to play cricket as herself, acknowledging the significance of this moment in her life. She highlighted the isolation and loneliness often faced by trans athletes in the current political climate, but also credited the universe for supporting her throughout her journey.

Anaya admitted that stepping away from cricket, undergoing personal changes, and dealing with family dynamics ultimately made her stronger and wiser. She summarized her journey as a "rollercoaster" of emotions, with the promise of a new chapter in her cricketing life.