‘Go and educate yourself’: Anaya Bangar hits back at Marizanne Kapp for cricket comeback

Anaya Bangar hits back at Marizanne Kapp NEW DELHI: Responding to criticism of South African all-rounder Marizanne Kapp over her bid to return to competitive women’s cricket, Anaya Bangar urged those opposed to her participation to “educate themselves” on the subject.Kapp strongly criticized Cricket Australia’s decision to offer Anaya a way back into competitive women’s cricket, calling it “absolutely ridiculous” and saying “it shouldn’t be allowed”.The comments came after Cricket Australia cleared Anaya, the daughter of former India cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar, for a path to elite women’s cricket as part of its policy to include transgender and gender diverse players in elite cricket.Anaya, who underwent gender confirmation surgery in March this year, is currently eligible to play community cricket in any state or territory in Australia. Her eligibility for elite cricket from March 2027 remains subject to policy requirements.

Anaya responds to Kapp’s criticism

Anaya’s potential return has sparked reactions from both sides, with the 25-year-old now directly responding to Kapp’s criticism.“I think people who want to raise their voice against this should really educate themselves on the subject and I have already provided the necessary information in terms of not having any unfair advantage and also in accordance with the guidelines set by Cricket Australia.”“If someone has such a personal opinion, I hope they will educate themselves,” she said with a shrug while talking to PTI.Anaya hopes to eventually make the journey to the Women’s Big Bash League, although she has yet to sign up with a local club. Her immediate focus is on playing at the community level and proving herself with her performances.

“Pegs From Here”

Anaya said she spent a long period in “survival mode” and was only now starting to process everything she had experienced during her transition and the long journey back to cricket.“…basically now the next role is to go out there and play club cricket and prove with my performances and if I do well then hopefully I’ll have a chance to be selected for the Women’s Big Bash League. So it’s just steps from there but the main part of me having a place to play is cleared,” she said.He is currently in talks with several cricket clubs and is waiting to decide on the right one to “go there and start playing”.For Anaya, the CA decision marks a major breakthrough after years away from competitive cricket. Even if given a path, it does not guarantee selection in any team.Anaya went on to add that the process was neither “automatic nor informal”, with the CA taking into account her medical and surgical history, hormone and testosterone levels, cricketing background, game footage and scientific and sporting performance she carried out with Manchester Metropolitan University’s Institute of Sport.She also said her last blood test in July recorded total testosterone at 0.6 nanomoles, which she said was within the reference range for women reported by the lab.