Anaya Bangar, daughter of former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar, has appealed to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to consider allowing transgender players to participate in women's cricket, similar to how Cricket Australia (CA) does it. Anaya received permission to play women's cricket in Australia and now hopes that opportunities will also open up for her in India.
In an interview with Hindustan Times, 25-year-old Anaya Bangar stated that it would be very good if the BCCI followed Australia's example, expressing hope that the Indian board would create conditions for transgender athletes to participate in women's cricket.
Previously, Anaya had contacted the BCCI last year to seek clarification on the rules of women's cricket but has not yet received a response, which prompted her to approach Cricket Australia.
Cricket Australia provided Anaya with the opportunity to return to playing women's cricket; she can currently participate in Australia's Premier Cricket event. However, to compete in elite women's competitions, she will need to adhere to testosterone level regulations. Her participation in elite cricket will depend on meeting these conditions starting from March 2027.
Rules regarding the participation of transgender players in women's cricket also apply at the international level. According to ICC rules from 2023, transgender women who have gone through male puberty are prohibited from playing in the elite category of international women's cricket. Rules for domestic cricket depend on the policy of the respective cricket board. Following Anaya's appeal, the question arises whether the BCCI will develop a clear policy regarding the participation of transgender players in India.