Anaya Bangar slams Marizanne Kapp criticism over WBBL clearance
On August 28, 2026, Anaya Bangar hit back at South African all-rounder Marizanne Kapp’s Instagram criticism of her potential participation in the Women's Big Bash League after Cricket Australia cleared Bangar to play in women's community and Premier Cricket in Australia. Bangar said critics should educate themselves and that she has provided information showing she has no unfair advantage and complies with Cricket Australia's guidelines.
Cricket Australia’s decision to allow Anaya — the daughter of former India cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar — to compete in women’s community and Premier Cricket reignited debate around transgender participation in women's sport. Anaya has spoken publicly about receiving clearance and about resuming her competitive career, with a possible pathway towards elite-level cricket opening up from March 2027.
South African star Kapp voiced opposition, arguing that transgender athletes should not be permitted to compete in women's cricket. “Absolutely ridiculous, this should not be allowed,” Kapp wrote on her Instagram.
Anaya responded directly to critics, saying they should inform themselves on the issue and that she has supplied the necessary evidence regarding any potential advantage and her compliance with governing rules. "I think people who want to raise their voice against it should actually educate themselves on this topic, and I've already provided the necessary information in terms of not having any unfair advantage, and also complying with the guidelines set by Cricket Australia. "If anyone's personal opinion is in that sort of way, I hope they go and educate themselves," she shrugged.
She set out her immediate plan to earn selection through on-field performance, saying she will move to Australia to play club cricket and seek selection on merit. "Basically now, the next role is to go there and play club cricket and prove myself by my performances, and if I do well, I hopefully might have a chance to be picked for the Women's Big Bash League. So, baby steps from here, but the major part of having a place to play has been cleared," said Anaya.
Cricket Australia has specified eligibility conditions should Bangar pursue a WBBL place from 2027, including a requirement to provide a blood test confirming that her serum testosterone level remains below 10 nmol/L while complying with any other conditions in the governing body's policy.
Anaya’s confirmed next steps are to travel to Australia to play club cricket and attempt to earn WBBL selection, subject to meeting Cricket Australia’s eligibility criteria from 2027.
