LONDON – Anaya Bangar, the transgender daughter of former Indian cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar, has called on the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to allow transgender athletes to participate in women’s cricket.
In a video message posted on Instagram, 23-year-old Anaya, who transitioned from male to female in November 2024, revealed that the University of Manchester conducted extensive medical assessments after her hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was completed. These tests measured her muscle strength, immunity levels, glucose, and oxygen levels, which were then compared to those of female athletes.
“The report concluded that there is no difference between me and a female athlete. The question now is whether the world is ready to accept the truth,” Anaya said in the video.
She added that science has validated her eligibility to compete in women’s cricket and expressed her willingness to formally present the report to the BCCI and ICC. “My aim is only to end the environment of fear surrounding transgender athletes,” she stated.
Currently, transgender cricketers are barred from competing in international women’s cricket. The ICC introduced this policy in a board meeting following the 2023 Cricket World Cup, effectively restricting participation based on gender transition.
Anaya underwent hormone replacement therapy and gender confirmation surgery last year and is currently based in the United Kingdom.
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