New Delhi, August 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
South Africa all-rounder Marizanne Kapp has strongly criticised Cricket Australia’s decision to allow transgender cricketer Anaya Bangar to play in the country’s community cricket competitions, with a potential pathway to elite women’s cricket, including the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).
Kapp, who has represented South Africa in four Tests, 162 ODIs and 126 T20Is, expressed her opposition on Instagram after sharing a report about Cricket Australia’s decision.
“Absolutely ridiculous, this should NOT be allowed!” Kapp wrote while tagging the official WBBL account.
The development follows confirmation from Anaya, the child of former India cricketer and batting coach Sanjay Bangar, that she had received formal communication from Cricket Australia regarding her eligibility.
Anaya, who underwent gender-affirming surgery in Thailand earlier this year, said the decision would allow her to return to competitive cricket. She also said she was looking for a club in Australia where she could resume playing.
“It is a great day for me, especially after knowing that I can play cricket. There was a stage when I thought I would never play cricket again, but thanks to Cricket Australia, it has given me another chance,” Anaya said at a press conference in Mumbai.
After initially approaching the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) without receiving a formal response, Anaya sought eligibility clarification from Cricket Australia.
CA Head of Integrity Jacqui Partridge said Anaya would remain eligible until March 2027 to play Premier Cricket competitions in any Australian state or territory, as those competitions are classified as community rather than elite cricket.
However, her eligibility for elite cricket from March 2027 will be conditional on a blood test confirming that her serum testosterone concentration remains below 10 nmol/L, while she must also continue to meet the policy’s other eligibility requirements.
International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations currently prohibit transgender women who have undergone male puberty from participating in international women’s cricket. The BCCI, however, has yet to establish an official position on transgender participation in domestic cricket.
Before transitioning, Anaya played age-group cricket for Mumbai alongside India Test batter Sarfaraz Khan and his brother Musheer Khan. She also played club cricket in England.
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