Anaya Bangar, child of former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar, who recently underwent gender-affirming surgery in Thailand earlier this year, has reacted to South African all-rounder Marizanne Kapp’s objection to Cricket Australia giving her clearance to play in women’s cricket in the country.

Anaya Bangar had approached the BCCI to play women’s cricket in India but received no formal response. She then moved to Cricket Australia, which cleared the way for her to play in women’s community cricket.

This would also mean Bangar, who transitioned from male to female, will be eligible to play in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).

“It is a great day for me, especially after knowing that I can play cricket. There was a stage when I thought I would never play cricket again, but thanks to Cricket Australia, it has given me another chance,” Anaya had stated to PTI.

Marizanne Kapp responded to the news with outrage and strong resistance to Cricket Australia's decision to clear transgender cricketer Anaya Bangar to compete in women's cricket locally and potentially in the WBBL.

“Absolutely ridiculous, this should NOT be allowed!” Kapp wrote while sharing a screenshot of a news article detailing the clearance granted to Anaya and also tagged the official handle of the WBBL.

 If Anaya's testosterone levels stay within recommended bounds, she hopes to participate in the WBBL in March of the following year. Additionally, she hasn't joined a local club team yet.

She did, however, respond, without taking names, to Marizanne Kapp's reaction to the news by saying that anybody who wished to oppose such things could educate themselves.

"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 told PTI.  

Anaya uploaded images of the official statement from Cricket Australia (CA), which said that the decision was based on the medical information supplied. Anaya, who played age-group cricket alongside Sarfaraz Khan, underwent gender-affirming surgery in March of this year.  

According to Cricket Australia guidelines, women's elite cricket players must maintain a serum testosterone concentration of less than 10 nmol/L for a minimum of 12 months. Anaya will also need to meet the eligibility standards.

Anaya said she has been stuck in "survival mode" for a long time and is only now processing all that she has gone through.

“...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," she said.

Anaya is currently in talks with a few cricket clubs, trying to choose the right one to go and play for.

(PTI inputs)