Anaya Bangar Seeks ICC, BCCI Support for Transgender Inclusion in Women’s Cricket
Anaya Bangar, daughter of former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar, has taken a bold step by appealing to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to support transgender athletes’ participation in women’s cricket. Formerly known as Aryan, Anaya has publicly shared her transition journey and presented scientific evidence supporting her eligibility.
On Instagram, the 23-year-old released a video and an eight-page athlete testing report documenting physiological assessments conducted after a year of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Collaborating with Manchester Metropolitan University, Anaya underwent tests measuring her muscle strength, endurance, glucose levels, and oxygen consumption. The results, she said, aligned with the parameters typically found in cisgender female athletes.
“For the first time, I’m making public the scientific data behind my transition as a trans woman athlete,” Anaya stated in her video. “These assessments reflect real, measurable physiological changes — not opinions, but hard data. I’m submitting this report to the BCCI and ICC with transparency and hope.”
She continued, “My goal is to spark a conversation rooted in facts, not fear. To create space, not division. Whether you agree with me or not, thank you for listening.”
Anaya also wrote in her caption, “Science kehta hai main women’s cricket ke liye eligible hoon. Ab sawaal yeh hai, kya duniya tayyar hai sach sunne ke liye?” (Science says I am eligible to play women’s cricket. Now the question is — is the world ready to accept the truth?)
Currently, transgender athletes are not allowed to participate in women’s cricket. This policy was established after an ICC board decision in late 2023, post the Women’s Cricket World Cup.
Anaya, who underwent both hormonal therapy and gender-affirming surgery in 2024, is currently based in the United Kingdom. Her effort aims to bring visibility to transgender athletes and challenge existing sports policies, calling for a future where inclusivity is grounded in science and fairness.
News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
