Anaya Bangar hits back at South African all-rounder Marizanne Kapp's criticism

Anaya Bangar has responded to Marizanne Kapp’s criticism and has hit back at the unfair advantage statement. The South African all-rounder had earlier strongly criticised Cricket Australia’s decision to clear trans cricketer Bangar for a pathway into women’s domestic cricket, including the potential for Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) participation. 

Kapp shared a news report on her Instagram story and wrote: “Absolutely ridiculous, this should NOT be allowed!” She tagged the WBBL account in her post. Bangar, the daughter of former India all-rounder and coach Sanjay Bangar, underwent gender-affirming surgery in March 2026. 

Anaya Bangar hits back at South African all-rounder Marizanne Kapp's criticism

Cricket Australia has confirmed she is eligible to play community and Premier cricket immediately. She could become eligible for elite women’s cricket, including the WBBL pathway, from March 2027 provided her serum testosterone levels remain below the required threshold of 10 nmol/L for at least 12 continuous months.

Bangar has stressed that the clearance grants eligibility rather than selection and that she must still perform at club level to earn any higher opportunities. Responding to the criticism, she urged opponents to “educate themselves” on the topic, stating she complies with Cricket Australia’s guidelines and maintains she holds no unfair advantage. 

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As she spoke to PTI, Anaya urged people who “want to raise their voice against it should actually educate themselves on this topic.” She added that she has “already provided the necessary information in terms of not having any unfair advantage, and also complying with the guidelines set by Cricket Australia.” 

The incident has highlighted differing approaches to transgender inclusion in cricket. The International Cricket Council bars transgender women who experienced male puberty from elite international women’s matches, while Cricket Australia applies its own policy with testosterone monitoring for domestic competitions.

Kapp, a long-serving South Africa international and WBBL player, is among the high-profile voices to question the decision. Bangar continues to seek a local club in Australia as she prepares her return to competitive cricket.

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