“It was like there was hope again”: Anaya Bangar

In an exclusive interaction with India Today, transgender Indian cricketer Anaya Bangar spoke about her recent breakthrough with Cricket Australia, which allowed her to play community-level cricket and pave the way for the Women’s Big Bash League from March 2027. In considering approval after facing silence from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), she noted that there is hope again: Bangar underwent extensive scientific testing at the University of Manchester to prove that her parameters correspond to cisgender female athletes after suppression of testosterone. She engaged in public debate and eligibility criteria for sport and advocated case-by-case scientific assessment rather than blanket bans. Opening up about her personal journey, Bangar described transitioning as a way of survival, during which she endured social, family disapproval and lived in dressing rooms in the UK. Looking ahead, she expressed her dream to see the BCCI adopt an inclusive policy and represent India to win the World Cup.