Anaya Bangar responds to Marizanne Kapp over cricket return

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Anaya Bangar has responded to South Africa all-rounder Marizanne Kapp’s criticism of her proposed return to competitive women’s cricket, saying opponents of her participation should educate themselves on the subject.

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Kapp criticised Cricket Australia’s decision to provide Bangar with a pathway under its Inclusion of Transgender and Gender Diverse Players in Elite Cricket Policy. Kapp called the decision “absolutely ridiculous” and said, “This should not be allowed.”

Bangar, the 25-year-old daughter of former India cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar, underwent gender-affirming surgery in March 2026. Cricket Australia’s decision allows Bangar to play community cricket in any Australian state or territory, while possible eligibility for elite women’s cricket from March 2027 remains conditional on meeting the policy requirements.

Bangar says she has complied with Cricket Australia guidelines

Bangar said she had supplied information addressing competitive advantage and had followed the guidelines established by Cricket Australia.

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“I think people who want to raise their voice against it should actually educate themselves on this topic, and I’ve already provided the necessary information in terms of not having any unfair advantage, and also complying with the guidelines set by Cricket Australia,” Bangar told PTI, according to the original report.

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Bangar added: “If anyone’s personal opinion is in that sort of way, I hope they go and educate themselves.”

Community cricket is the immediate step

Bangar’s immediate objective is to join a local club and establish herself through performances in community cricket before seeking any opportunity at a higher level.

Bangar said she was speaking with several clubs but had not yet selected one. Her longer-term aim is to pursue a route into the Women’s Big Bash League, although Cricket Australia’s pathway does not guarantee selection by a club or franchise.

“The next role is to go there and play club cricket and prove myself by my performances, and if I do well, I hopefully might have a chance to be picked for the Women’s Big Bash League,” Bangar said. “So, baby steps from here, but the major part of having a place to play has been cleared.”

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Elite eligibility remains conditional

Bangar said Cricket Australia’s assessment was neither automatic nor informal, with any future elite eligibility still dependent on the governing body’s policy requirements.

According to Bangar, the assessment considered her medical and surgical history, hormone and testosterone levels, cricket background, playing footage, and scientific and athletic performance work undertaken with Manchester Metropolitan University’s Institute of Sport.

Bangar also said a blood test conducted in July 2026 recorded total testosterone at 0.6 nanomoles, a result she described as being within the female reference range provided by the laboratory. The reported result and the other assessment details were presented as Bangar’s account.

Cricket Australia’s decision therefore provides Bangar with a route back into community competition. Any move into elite women’s cricket from March 2027 would require further compliance with the policy and selection on cricketing merit.