Anaya Bangar has responded to criticism from South Africa all-rounder Marizanne Kapp over her pathway back to competitive women’s cricket. The comments come after Cricket Australia cleared Anaya for a pathway towards elite women’s cricket under its Inclusion of Transgender and Gender Diverse Players in Elite Cricket Policy.

Kapp had strongly criticised the decision, while Anaya is currently eligible to play community cricket in any state or territory of Australia. Her eligibility for elite cricket from March 2027 remains subject to the policy requirements.

Anaya Bangar responds to Marizanne Kapp’s criticism

Kapp had criticised Cricket Australia’s decision to provide Anaya with a pathway towards elite women’s cricket, arguing that her participation should not be allowed. Bangar responded by urging those opposed to her participation to understand the subject and the guidelines involved.

“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. If anyone’s personal opinion is in that sort of way, I hope they go and educate themselves,” she said while speaking to PTI.

Anaya, the daughter of former India cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar, underwent gender-affirming surgery in March this year. She said the process through which Cricket Australia assessed her was neither automatic nor informal, with her medical history, hormone levels, cricketing background and other relevant information taken into consideration. She also said her most recent blood test in July recorded total testosterone at 0.6 nanomoles, which she said was within the female reference range reported by the laboratory.

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Bangar plans next steps in cricket

Anaya is currently in talks with a few cricket clubs in Australia and is yet to decide where she will begin playing. Her immediate focus is on community cricket, with a potential Women’s Big Bash League opportunity a longer-term goal.

“…basically now, 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. So, baby steps from here, but the major part of having a place to play has been cleared,” she concluded.

While Cricket Australia has cleared her for a pathway towards elite women’s cricket, the decision does not guarantee selection for any team. Anaya will first look to establish herself at club level and work her way forward through her performances.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.