![Anaya Bangar to play women's cricket in Australia [Source: Instagram]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1787807633241_AnayaBangar(1).jpg?type=hq)
Anaya Bangar to play women's cricket in Australia [Source: Instagram]
Anaya Bangar, daughter of former cricketer Sanjay Bangar, is set to play competitive cricket in Australia after CA approved her eligibility requirements. She is free to play women’s cricket in Down Under from 2027 onwards.
Bangar was born male but later went through gender affirming surgery to identify herself as a woman. However, she was barred from playing cricket as the ICC doesn’t allow trans players to participate in women’s cricket.
But just when Anaya was losing hope, Cricket Australia came as a blessing for her.
Cricket Australia approves Anaya Bangar’s competitive cricket return
In a significant decision, Cricket Australia confirmed that Anaya Bangar is eligible to feature in women’s cricket from the 2027 season. This happened after Bangar met the eligibility requirements set by the board.
According to CA rules, a player must maintain a serum testosterone concentration below 10 nmol/L for at least 12 continuous months to become eligible as a female cricketer.
Bangar apparently submitted her medical documents and details of her surgery to CA, including the testosterone test. The board reviewed it and approved her request, thus marking her return to competitive cricket.
She is eligible to play women’s cricket in Australia alone as CA’s rules do not apply in any other country and it also differs from the ICC rulebook.
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Anaya Bangar still has to go through the selection process
Having said that, Anaya Bangar has won half the battle by clearing her eligibility. However, her return is still miles away. Though CA has cleared the eligibility barrier, Bangar still has to clear the selection barrier.
The WBBL is classified as elite cricket, and CA's determination means Bangar can pursue participation at that level from March 2027. But to bag a contract, she must prove herself at the domestic level.
Hence, for starters, Anaya may play community cricket in Australia. This could give her an opportunity to get back onto the field, regain fitness and rebuild her competitive career before attempting to reach the WBBL.
Anaya reacts to CA’s landmark decision
Meanwhile, after Cricket Australia’s decision, Anaya shared her first reaction on social media. She described it as an emotional moment, as she thought her cricket career was over following gender affirming surgery.
"Now it’s time to earn my place. See you on the field," Bangar said in caption.
At the same time, she also understands that CA’s clearance doesn’t guarantee a place in a cricket team. For that, Anaya must work hard and earn a place on her merit.
Hence, her immediate priority is getting her fitness and competitive rhythm back. Apart from that, Anaya Bangar must also keep her testosterone levels in check as she will be tested again after she lands in Australia in March 2027.
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