‘Incredibly emotional’: Anaya Bangar gets CA nod for women’s cricket, eyes WBBL
Anaya Bangar has been cleared by Cricket Australia to compete in elite women's cricket starting in 2027 following her gender-affirming surgery. While she is now eligible, she emphasizes that she must still earn a spot on a WBBL franchise roster through performance.
Why it matters
This highlights the evolving policies regarding transgender inclusion in professional sports and the personal challenges faced by athletes during transition.
NEW DELHI: Anaya Bangar has taken a major step towards returning to competitive cricket after Cricket Australia confirmed that she will be eligible to play elite women’s cricket in the country from March 2027.Bangar, who underwent gender-affirming surgery in March, received the confirmation under Cricket Australia’s Inclusion of Transgender and Gender Diverse Players in Elite Cricket Policy. The decision opens a pathway for her to pursue a place in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), although she stressed that eligibility does not guarantee a franchise contract.In an exclusive conversation with Bombay Times, Anaya, daughter of former India all-rounder and batting coach Sanjay Bangar, described the development as an emotional moment after fearing that her cricket career had ended following her transition.“I am now eligible to play in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) in Australia from March 2027 onwards.
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