Experienced all-rounder from South Africa, Marjane Kap, sharply reacted to the decision by Cricket Australia to grant transgender athlete Ana Bandag permission to participate in women's cricket in Australia. Kap voiced her dissatisfaction with this decision on social media, calling it 'absolutely ridiculous.'
The 36-year-old Kap shared a screenshot of news about Ana Bandag on Instagram, writing: 'This is completely ridiculous, this should not be allowed.' She also mentioned the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) in her post.
The Path from Amateur to Elite Cricket
Cricket Australia granted Ana, daughter of former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bandag, permission to play in Premier Cricket, which is amateur cricket in Australia. The possibility for her to reach the elite women's cricket level opens up from March 2027, but for this, she will need to meet the eligibility criteria set by Cricket Australia.
In a letter addressed to Ana, Jackie Partridge, head of integrity at Cricket Australia, specified that her right to play elite cricket from March 2027 will depend on her serum testosterone level, which must be below 10 nmol/L. Furthermore, she must fulfill all other conditions stipulated by the policy. Upon arriving in Australia, she will also need to undergo a blood test to confirm her testosterone level.
Thus, it cannot be stated that Ana has received direct permission to play in the WBBL; only a path to it is open to her. To join a team, she will have to prove herself in amateur cricket and earn the trust of a franchise. Ana herself confirmed that Cricket Australia gave her not a spot on a team, but a chance to return to cricket.
When It Seemed Cricket Would No Longer Be Played
Ana described this decision as a very emotional moment for her. She recounted that at one point she felt she would never be able to play cricket again, but Cricket Australia gave her another chance.
Previously, Ana had approached the BCCI regarding playing women's cricket in India but did not receive a clear answer. One senior BCCI official told Indian Express that the ICC's policy regarding international cricket is clear, but the BCCI has not yet developed a final policy regarding transgender players in amateur cricket.
What Does the ICC Policy State?
This is the most important aspect of the whole matter. In November 2023, the ICC introduced a new gender-based eligibility policy for international women's cricket. According to this policy, players who have undergone male puberty cannot participate in international women's cricket. This rule remains in effect even if they undergo surgery or hormone therapy. However, the rules for the participation of transgender players in amateur cricket can be set by the respective member boards themselves.
It is this difference that makes the situation between Cricket Australia's rules and the ICC's rules quite interesting. The ICC rule applies to international cricket, whereas Cricket Australia conducted a separate assessment of Ana's situation within its internal structure.
Now the Debate Is Not Just About Ana, But Also About Women's Cricket Rules
Marjane Kap's sharp reaction once again placed this issue at the center of the discussion about equality, competitive fairness, and the participation of transgender athletes in women's cricket. On one hand, Cricket Australia provided Ana with an opportunity to return to cricket according to its rules, while on the other hand, the ICC adopted a much more restrictive stance regarding international women's cricket. The question arises as to how the internal policies of different countries and the rules of international cricket will be harmonized in the future.
For now, Ana's next goal is clear: to return to amateur cricket in Australia, earn her place through performance, and gain the right to elite cricket by March 2027. The door to the WBBL is open, but access depends on the next test of performance and compliance.