Anaya Bangar cleared by Cricket Australia, dreams of World Cup for India

On August 29, 2026, Anaya Bangar told India Today in an exclusive interview that Cricket Australia had given her a lifeline by clearing her to compete in community and Premier Cricket.

Anaya, the daughter of former India cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar, said the clearance keeps the prospect of elite-level cricket from March 2027 on the horizon and called the decision a significant step in her journey. She acknowledged that the clearance alone does not guarantee a place at the highest level and said she is focused on making her return to competitive cricket in Australia.

On policies and her ambition for India she said: "I just hope BCCI looks into it and creates policies which are inclusive, fair, and dignified towards women's sport, and I hope to win the World Cup for India one day. And I want to do that. Like, I want to win something for the country, and that's my dream," said Anaya.

Describing obstacles she faced off the field, she said: "This journey was very tough. I had to deal with a lot of backlash, not just from the public, but within family as well. I got the bare minimum support, but like, I didn't feel fully supported as well during the whole journey," said Anaya.

On surviving during difficult periods she recounted: "There was a certain period of time where I was living in dressing rooms in the UK just to survive and like fend for myself during that time. I was, I was in that state for like 5 months, then eventually, I decided to come on social media to support myself and my surgeries. So I did that. I got some brand deals. I got my first few surgeries done, along with whatever goes with gender-affirming procedures as well during that time." She added, "And it's been a crazy ride, to be honest. It's been isolating, it's been brutal, but throughout all this, solitude has helped me a lot through this, and that's what has made me so confident and strong, which I feel," said Anaya.

For Anaya, receiving clearance from CA is just the first step in a much longer journey. Her priority now is to get back on the cricket field, rediscover her rhythm as an all-rounder and work her way towards a chance in the WBBL.