Anaya Bangar appeals to ICC and BCCI for inclusion of transgender athletes in Women’s cricket

Anaya Bangar, the daughter of former Team India cricketer Sanjay Bangar, has made a heartfelt appeal to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in support of transgender cricketers. 

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Anaya, who was born male and later transitioned to female, has shared her story along with scientific evidence of her transition through an Instagram post. In the post, Anaya revealed an eight-page scientific report documenting the physical changes she has undergone as a transgender athlete. 

She wrote: "For the first time, I'm sharing the scientific report that documents my journey as a trans woman athlete. Over the past year, I've undergone structured physiological assessments after starting hormone therapy. This report captures the real, measurable impact of my transition — not opinions, not assumptions, but data."

She added that the report has been submitted to both the BCCI and the ICC with transparency and hope. "My only intention is to start a conversation based on facts, not fear. To build space, not divide it. Whether you agree or not, thank you for witnessing," she concluded.

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Currently, the BCCI does not allow transgender cricketers to participate in women’s cricket. This restriction was introduced after the 2023 ODI World Cup held in India.

Anaya Bangar began her transition in 2021

Anaya has collaborated with Manchester Metropolitan University and completed one year of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). The tests included measurements of muscle power, endurance, glucose levels, and oxygen capacity — all compared against data from cisgender female athletes.

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In her Instagram caption, Anaya wrote: "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 that I am eligible for women's cricket. Now the question is whether the world is ready to hear the truth or not?").

Earlier, in an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, Anaya spoke openly about her journey. She began her transition in 2021 and said: “It began as me wanting to play again, but the more I spoke up, the more I realised that my journey is tied to so many who feel invisible in Indian sport. My personal dream and public advocacy have become the same thing now. Walking back onto the field, this time as Anaya, won’t just be about playing but reclaiming the right to belong, compete, and dream with dignity.”

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