Former Mumbai cricketer Anaya Bangar eyes WBBL debut

Anaya Bangar is aiming for a Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) debut in Australia, starting her journey in March 2027. She is preparing to return to elite cricket after undergoing gender-affirming surgery earlier this year. Cricket Australia has approved her participation in community cricket and outlined a pathway for her entry into elite women's cricket, though it is not automatic. Her eligibility for elite competitions like the WBBL will depend on maintaining a serum testosterone concentration below 10 nmol/L for at least 12 months under Cricket Australia's Transgender and Gender Diverse Players in Elite Cricket Policy. Anaya first sought clarification from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding transgender athletes playing women's cricket in India but received no response. She then approached Cricket Australia, which reviewed her medical history and supported her case. She emphasized that while Cricket Australia's decision provides a pathway, it is not guaranteed and depends on meeting ongoing requirements.