Marizanne Kapp criticises Cricket Australia’s decision on Anaya Bangar’s return to women’s cricket
Cricket Australia’s decision and Anaya Bangar’s pathway
Marizanne Kapp, a prominent South Africa all-rounder, has voiced strong criticism regarding Cricket Australia’s (CA) decision to provide a pathway for transgender cricketer Anaya Bangar to return to competitive women’s cricket. Kapp described the development as “absolutely ridiculous” and stated that it “should not be allowed.” Her comments emerged after Australian media reports indicated that CA had cleared Anaya, the daughter of former India cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar, to play under its Inclusion of Transgender and Gender Diverse Players in Elite Cricket Policy.
Anaya Bangar underwent gender-affirming surgery in March this year. Under CA’s policy, she is eligible to participate in community cricket across any Australian state or territory until March 2027. Following this period, from March 2027, Anaya could become eligible for elite-level women’s cricket, provided she continues to meet the policy’s requirements, including a specified testosterone threshold.
The decision by Cricket Australia followed a review by an expert panel. This panel included CA’s Head of Integrity Jacqui Partridge, Integrity Partner and Legal representative Emily Yates, Head of Scheduling, Operations and Domestic Cricket Peter Roach, Anti-Doping Medical Officer Dr Peter Harcourt, and Team Doctor Dr Pip Inge. CA informed Anaya via email that a player seeking to compete in the female category of Elite Cricket must demonstrate that their serum testosterone concentration has been below 10 nmol/L continuously for a minimum of 12 months. Based on the medical information submitted, this requirement is expected to be met by March 2027.
Anaya noted that the process was neither “automatic or informal.” She stated that CA considered her medical and surgical history, hormone and testosterone levels, cricketing background, playing footage, and scientific and athletic performance work conducted with Manchester Metropolitan University’s Institute of Sport. Her most recent blood test in July reportedly showed a total testosterone level of 0.6 nanomoles, which she indicated was within the female reference range reported by the laboratory.
Anaya Bangar’s perspective and future ambitions
While Cricket Australia’s decision provides a pathway, Anaya Bangar clarified that eligibility does not equate to selection. She emphasized that she still needs to train, compete, perform, and earn any opportunity to play. Anaya stated that she does not expect her history or identity to secure her a place on a cricket team, but rather wishes for her cricketing ability to earn her that position. She acknowledged the high standard of women’s cricket and the ongoing discussions about fairness and competitive integrity in women’s sport, but argued that inclusion and fairness do not have to be mutually exclusive.
Anaya expressed respect for the process Cricket Australia followed in her case, highlighting that one of the most challenging possibilities she faced after transitioning was that cricket might no longer be an option for her. She had spent years seeking a return to the sport, and CA’s decision has now offered her a chance to try. Her potential pathway could eventually include an opportunity to pursue playing in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), provided she continues to meet the eligibility requirements by March 2027.
Kapp’s reaction directly challenges the principle of allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s cricket, particularly in the context of Anaya’s ambition to play elite cricket in Australia, including the WBBL. Anaya had previously stated that Cricket Australia’s decision was a significant milestone for both herself and other transgender athletes hoping to continue their sporting careers.
Differing eligibility frameworks
The potential return of Anaya Bangar to elite cricket occurs against a backdrop of differing eligibility frameworks between international and domestic cricket. The International Cricket Council’s (ICC) current policy, introduced in 2023, does not permit transgender women who have experienced male puberty to compete in international women’s cricket. However, Cricket Australia’s domestic framework has allowed Anaya to participate in community and premier cricket after assessing her case under its own eligibility process.
This distinction is crucial for Anaya’s aspirations. Her clearance to play domestic cricket does not automatically qualify her for international cricket, nor does it guarantee selection in an elite competition. For the present, Anaya has a pathway back into women’s cricket in Australia, with her future progression dependent on her eligibility, performances, and selection, with potential elite-level play from March 2027.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Priya Menon 