From Aryan Bangar to Anaya Bangar/image credit-Instagram
Anaya Bangar, formerly known as Aryan, the child of renowned Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar, recently shared her transformative journey on Instagram, capturing attention across the internet. Anaya, who publicly identifies as a transgender woman, has candidly opened up about her transition process, the effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and the hurdles she faces as a trans woman in pursuing a professional cricket career. Her story highlights the physical and emotional challenges that come with transitioning, along with the societal and systemic barriers that limit opportunities for transgender athletes in sports.
Journey Through Hormone Therapy and Physical Transformation
In a recent post, Anaya disclosed that it has been eleven months since she underwent her gender-affirming surgery. During this period, HRT has dramatically reshaped her body, influencing her muscle mass, strength, and athletic performance. “I’ve been losing the muscle mass, strength, muscle memory, and athletic abilities I once relied on,” she wrote, reflecting on how these changes have impacted her ability to play cricket—a sport she has passionately pursued since childhood.
Anaya attributes her love for the game to her father, Sanjay Bangar, who represented India in Test and ODI cricket and later served as India’s batting coach. Her father’s passion, discipline, and dedication to cricket inspired her to dream of one day representing her country, a goal she has relentlessly pursued. However, her transition and the corresponding physical changes have posed significant challenges, making it difficult for her to perform at the level she once could.
Barriers in Pursuing a Cricket Career as a Trans Woman
Anaya’s heartfelt message also shed light on the lack of inclusive regulations for transgender women in cricket. She expressed disappointment at how sports governing bodies have been slow to adapt their policies to accommodate trans athletes. The existing rules often restrict trans women from participating in women’s sports categories, especially if they transitioned post-puberty.
Anaya explained the particular challenges this restriction poses, stating that her testosterone levels are now at 0.5 nmol, comparable to those of cisgender women. Despite her adherence to medical standards, she feels excluded from participating in women’s cricket at a professional level. “It feels like the system is forcing me out,” she wrote, adding that she faces this exclusion not because of a lack of talent or dedication, but due to regulations that haven’t evolved to recognize her identity.
Societal and Legal Obstacles: A Catch-22 Situation
In her post, Anaya also highlighted a paradox that many trans athletes face: current policies restrict participation for those who transitioned post-puberty, yet many regions, including India, legally prohibit gender-affirming procedures for minors. This means trans individuals are caught in a dilemma: they cannot meet sports participation requirements set by governing bodies if they are legally barred from transitioning at a younger age. “The system is forcing me into an impossible situation,” she wrote, reflecting the frustration of not meeting a standard she was never allowed to pursue.
This paradox underlines the broader societal and legal obstacles that transgender individuals, particularly athletes, face. These challenges extend beyond cricket, as numerous sports worldwide grapple with the issue of fair and inclusive participation for trans athletes.
The Future of Trans Women in Cricket and the Impact of ECB’s Decision
Anaya currently resides in Manchester, where she continues her journey of self-discovery and advocacy for transgender rights in sports. Recently, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced a policy restricting trans women from participating in the top two tiers of women’s cricket in England. The decision, effective from 2025, would prevent Anaya and other trans women from competing in elite women’s leagues like The Hundred. Such policies underscore the challenges trans athletes face globally, as governing bodies navigate the complexities of inclusion in competitive sports.
Advocating for Change and Representation
Anaya’s story is a powerful reminder of the need for more inclusive policies in sports. Her posts highlight the importance of creating a supportive environment for transgender athletes, allowing them to compete as their true selves. For Anaya, the journey has been transformative yet isolating, as she confronts the reality of potentially having to give up her cricket aspirations due to systemic limitations. Her story serves as a call to action for sports governing bodies to adapt their policies, not just for her, but for future generations of transgender athletes striving to pursue their passions without discrimination.
Through her public journey, Anaya Bangar has become a voice for transgender representation in sports, shedding light on the personal and professional obstacles trans athletes endure. Her resilience and advocacy for inclusivity may pave the way for policy reforms, fostering a more accepting and equitable environment in the world of sports.