Anaya Bangar, the transgender daughter of former Indian cricketer (ICC & BCCI) and coach Sanjay Bangar, has recently made headlines after publicly appealing to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to allow transgender women to participate in women’s cricket.
Anaya Bangar, transgender daughter of Sanjay Bangar, recently urged the ICC and BCCI to allow transgender women to play in women’s cricket. In a now-viral social media post, she shared her full transition history and medical compliance, arguing that she qualifies under existing criteria. She supported her appeal with scientific studies and spoke out emotionally about being excluded despite her dedication to the sport.
Identity & Transition
- Born Aryan, Anaya began hormone replacement therapy in 2023 and underwent gender-affirming surgery to align with her true identity
- She continues to live in the UK, playing club cricket in Manchester after her transition
Her Journey and Cricket Background
Formerly known as Aryan Bangar, Anaya has undergone hormone replacement therapy and gender-affirming surgery to legally change her gender to female. Currently, she plays club cricket in the UK and has been steadily making a name for herself with her talent and dedication.
From an early age, cricket was a significant part of Anaya’s life. She attended several cricket camps alongside her father and has practiced nets with international stars like Virat Kohli.
Medical and Legal Eligibility
In her viral social media post, Anaya stated that her testosterone levels fall within ICC’s defined limits and that she meets all medical and legal requirements to play women’s cricket. However, despite fulfilling these criteria, she has faced exclusion, which she describes as unfair and discriminatory.
Supporting her claims, Anaya shared scientific reports that back her eligibility. She emphasized that cricket should value not just gender identity but also talent and hard work.
Social and Personal Challenges
Anaya also opened up about the discrimination and harassment she has faced within the cricket community. She revealed experiencing verbal abuse, mockery, and inappropriate behavior from senior players, which caused deep emotional distress.
Despite these hardships, Anaya’s passion for cricket and her identity remained unwavering. She candidly shared that she had even faced suicidal thoughts but continued to pursue her dream.
ICC Regulations and Anaya’s Appeal
In 2023, ICC implemented strict rules regarding transgender athletes, stating that transgender women who have undergone male puberty are ineligible to play women’s cricket. Anaya challenges this policy with her scientific and medical evidence, urging ICC and BCCI to reconsider the rule.
Growing Support on Social Media
Anaya’s heartfelt appeal has gained widespread support across social media platforms. Hashtags like #JusticeForAnaya and #IStandWithAnaya have trended, with cricket fans, activists, and members of the LGBTQ+ community rallying behind her call for fairness and inclusivity in sports.
Anaya Bangar’s case goes beyond the struggles of a single athlete; it raises important questions about gender inclusion and ethics in sports. Her voice is a powerful reminder that true sportspersonship means providing equal opportunities to all players, regardless of gender identity.
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