SYDNEY: Former Mumbai Under-19 cricketer Anaya Bangar has taken a major step toward reviving her competitive career after Cricket Australia granted her permission to play community-level women’s cricket.
The decision allows the 25-year-old to immediately participate in premier cricket competitions across various Australian states and territories.
Bangar began her gender transition in 2022 and subsequently underwent gender-affirmation surgery.
Fearing her playing days were over, she credited Cricket Australia’s inclusive policy for opening the doors for her return to the pitch.
While her immediate clearance covers grassroots matches, her elite transgender cricket eligibility will depend on satisfying specific medical criteria by March 2027.
Upon arriving in Australia, Bangar must undergo blood testing to demonstrate that her serum testosterone levels remain below 10 nanomoles per liter.
Meeting these requirements could pave the way for her to enter the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).
‘Great day’, says trans athlete Anaya Bangar after Cricket Australia okays participation
By @pdevendra https://t.co/Z0S3wpDj25
— Express Sports (@IExpressSports) August 25, 2026
In contrast, an official from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) stated that the Indian board currently lacks a specific policy governing the participation of transgender women in women’s cricket.
Additional Note: The Global Debate on Transgender Cricket Eligibility and Sports Policies
The conversation surrounding transgender cricket eligibility reflects a broader, highly contentious debate across international sports regarding fairness, inclusion, and biological advantages.
Governing bodies around the world are navigating complex medical and ethical framework questions to determine how transgender athletes can fairly participate in elite female categories.
In cricket, the International Cricket Council (ICC) adopted a policy in late 2023 prohibiting male-to-female transgender players who have gone through male puberty from competing in international women’s cricket, citing safety and fairness concerns.
This mirrors decisions made by other global sporting federations, such as World Aquatics and World Athletics, which implemented strict exclusions for transgender women in international elite divisions.
Conversely, domestic boards like Cricket Australia maintain tiered guidelines, prioritizing community-level inclusion while applying strict testosterone-suppression thresholds for professional competitions.
The divergence between international regulations and domestic policies creates complex pathways for athletes seeking competition.
As sports science continues to study the long-term biological effects of transition and hormone therapy, transgender cricket eligibility policies will remain a central point of discussion, balancing human rights with competitive integrity.
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Tags: Anaya Bangar, Transgender Cricket Eligibility, Cricket Australia, Women’s Cricket, Transgender Athletes, ICC Rules, Women’s Big Bash League
