Indian-origin transgender cricketer Anaya Bangar has been cleared by Cricket Australia to pursue a return to women’s competitive cricket in Australia, opening a potential pathway to the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) from March 2027.
As per Daily Mail report, the 25-year-old, daughter of former India cricketer and national batting coach Sanjay Bangar, received confirmation from Cricket Australia under its Inclusion of Transgender and Gender Diverse Players in Elite Cricket Policy.
The decision allows Bangar to play women’s community and Premier Cricket in Australia immediately, while her eligibility for elite women’s cricket will take effect from March 2027, subject to the policy’s ongoing requirements.
Bangar has stressed that the decision does not guarantee her a WBBL contract. Instead, it gives her a pathway to compete, rebuild her form and fitness and ultimately earn an opportunity through performance.
“I am preparing to return to women’s cricket in Australia with the aim of pursuing elite cricket from March 2027,” Bangar said.
She described the development as deeply emotional, saying there had been a point when she believed she might never play cricket again.
“Cricket Australia has given me a pathway, which does not mean that I have been given a place in a team. I still have to train, compete, perform and earn that opportunity.”
Bangar previously played in Mumbai’s competitive youth cricket system, including at Under-19 level, developing as a top-order batter and all-rounder. She trained alongside players who went on to play at the highest levels of Indian cricket.
Following her transition, Bangar said she was uncertain whether she would be able to continue her cricket career. She approached the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) last year seeking clarity about the eligibility of transgender women in domestic women’s cricket but said she did not receive a response.
She subsequently approached Cricket Australia, which reviewed her medical records, blood tests and other documentation before making its eligibility determination.
Bangar underwent gender-affirming surgery in Thailand in March 2026.
Under Cricket Australia’s current policy, transgender women seeking to compete in the female category of elite cricket must maintain a serum testosterone concentration below 10 nanomoles per litre for at least 12 continuous months. Bangar’s elite eligibility is therefore subject to a further assessment in March 2027.
If she satisfies the applicable requirements, Bangar will be able to pursue elite domestic women’s cricket, including a potential opportunity in the WBBL. However, eligibility alone does not guarantee selection.
Bangar has acknowledged that she will need to find an Australian club, regain competitive match fitness and demonstrate that she can perform at the required level before a WBBL franchise considers her.
“The next challenge is to get myself into the best possible physical and competitive shape and put myself in a position to be considered by a WBBL franchise.”
She has also emphasised that she does not expect her identity or personal history to secure a place in a team.
“I don’t expect my history or my identity to earn me a place on a cricket team. I want my cricket to earn me a place on a cricket team.”
Cricket Australia’s domestic policy differs from the International Cricket Council’s rules governing international women’s cricket.
The ICC introduced a policy in 2023 under which transgender women who have experienced male puberty are not eligible to compete in international women’s matches, regardless of whether they have undergone surgery or testosterone suppression.
Cricket Australia’s decision therefore provides Bangar with a possible route into Australian domestic cricket, rather than international women’s cricket.
For now, her immediate focus is expected to be on returning to competitive cricket through Australia’s community and Premier Cricket system.
The March 2027 assessment will be the next major milestone in her attempt to return to elite competition.
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