Anaya Banger in WBBL: Marizanne Kapp rejects inclusion of transgender cricketer
South African star Marizanne Kapp has hit out at Cricket Australia’s decision to allow India’s Anaya Bangara to play women’s cricket in Australia, saying transgender athletes should not be allowed to compete in women’s cricket.
Kapp reacted to the development on Instagram after Anaya, daughter of former India cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar, was released by Cricket Australia to play women’s community and Premier Cricket across Australia.
“Absolutely ridiculous, this should not be allowed,” Kapp wrote on her Instagram. Courtesy: Instagram
The comments come days after Anaya spoke publicly about Cricket Australia’s decision and its plans to return to competitive cricket, with elite cricket potentially in sight from March 2027.
Marizanne Kapp is the first high-profile cricketer to oppose the decision. Kapp is one of South Africa’s most successful female cricketers, having represented the national team across various formats for over a decade.
A key player for South Africa, Kapp has been part of the growth of women’s cricket both at international level and through franchise competitions.
ANAY’S JOURNEY BACK TO WOMEN’S CRICKET
Anaya, who was assigned male at birth, was on her way back to cricket as a transgender woman after previously playing in Mumbai’s youth cricket system as a top-class batsman and all-rounder.
In 2023, she publicly revealed that she had begun hormone replacement therapy and later underwent gender confirmation surgery in 2026.
Cricket Australia has now cleared her to play women’s community and Premier Cricket in all states and territories. The decision opened a possible path to elite women’s cricket, although Anaya stressed that she was not guaranteed a place in any team.
Her immediate focus is on returning to competitive cricket and proving herself on the field.
‘MY CRICKET HAS TO GET ME A PLACE’
Anaya insisted that her identity or history should not determine whether she is selected for the elite team.
She said the Cricket Australia clearance provided her with a pathway, rather than automatic entry into the elite squad. Any transition to elite women’s cricket from March 2027 will continue to be subject to relevant eligibility requirements, including relevant testosterone criteria and blood test evaluation.
Anaya said she still has to train, compete and perform before she gets the opportunity.
She also made it clear that she does not expect her journey as a transgender athlete to be used as a reason for her selection.
Her goal is to get a place through cricket.
KAPP HEADS FOR WBBL
However, Kapp’s reaction directly questions the path Cricket Australia has opened up for Anaya.
The South African all-rounder has questioned the very principle of allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s cricket, calling the decision “absolutely ridiculous”.
Kapp’s comments also come in the context of Anaya’s stated ambition to eventually push for elite cricket in Australia, including the possibility of playing in the Women’s Big Bash League.
Anaya previously said Cricket Australia’s decision was a significant milestone not only for her but for other transgender athletes hoping to continue their sporting careers.
ICC RULES DIFFER FROM CA
Anaya’s potential return to elite cricket also comes against the backdrop of different eligibility frameworks governing international and domestic cricket. Current ICC policy, introduced in 2023, does not allow transgender women who have experienced male puberty to compete in international women’s cricket.
However, Cricket Australia’s domestic framework allowed Anaya to participate in community and premiership cricket after considering her case through its own eligibility process.
This difference is important to Anaya’s ambitions. Her clearance to play domestic cricket does not automatically mean she is eligible for international cricket, nor does it guarantee selection in the elite competition. Currently, Anaya is on her way back to women’s cricket in Australia. Whether she can turn that journey into an elite career will ultimately depend on her fitness, performances and selection.
– The end
Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
28 Aug 2026 14:34 IST