Social Media Reacts as Anaya Bangar Gets Cricket Australia Clearance
Former Mumbai Under 19 cricketer Anaya Bangar has been cleared by Cricket Australia to play women’s Community Cricket. The decision follows her gender affirming surgery in March 2026. Bangar said the clearance was a great day for her after fearing her cricket career was over. However, playing at the elite level, including the WBBL, will require meeting additional eligibility rules.
For the former Mumbai Under 19 cricketer Anaya Bangar, the latest clearance from Cricket Australia marks an important moment in her cricketing journey. Bangar has been given permission to play women’s Community Cricket in Australia, giving her an opportunity to return to competitive cricket after a difficult period. She underwent gender affirming surgery in March 2026 and had previously feared that her playing career might be over.
Bangar said the decision was a great day for her, as it means she can once again take part in the sport she loves. The clearance allows her to travel to Australia and compete at community level, although it does not automatically provide access to elite women’s cricket.
If Bangar wants to progress to Elite Cricket, including competitions such as the Women’s Big Bash League, she will still need to meet Cricket Australia’s testosterone related eligibility requirements. The ICC currently does not allow transgender women who have gone through male puberty to compete in its elite women’s international events. The BCCI does not currently have a specific policy on transgender participation.
Bangar previously represented Mumbai at Under 19 level and played alongside Sarfaraz Khan and Musheer Khan. Her father, Sanjay Bangar, is a former India all rounder and former batting coach of the Indian men’s team. For now, the community cricket clearance gives Anaya a chance to return to the field.
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