Anaya Bangar, a trans child of former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar, has bagged the headlines after revealing the medical reports that she underwent Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and is now recognized as a transgender woman.
It is even more shocking to know that she was born as a male and formerly named Aryan Bangar, who played cricket at the Junior level alongside Sarfaraz Khan and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
According to the laws of the International Cricket Council (ICC), she was not allowed to play the sport since declaring herself as a trans woman.
Recently, Anaya took to her Instagram account to share her video and reveal that she is eligible to participate in women’s cricket. Also, she made a bold appeal to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the ICC to revisit the laws and modify their current rules on transgender involvement among female cricketers.
Anaya Bangar Reveals Her Medical Reports
In a recent video, the 24-year-old revealed that after the completion of one year of HRT, she interacted with the Manchester Metropolitan University.
Bangar shared how she is eligible to take part in women’s cricket by explaining the tests conducted to compare her muscle power, glucose and oxygen levels, and physical strength with other female athletes.
“Yes! This is the first time I’m sharing my scientific reports. As a trans woman athlete over these years, I underwent structured psychological assessments after the commencement of hormone therapy. The report shows facts and not opinions about how my body has changed since the therapy started.
Also, my performance charts reveal that my physical fitness is similar to any other woman athlete. My body underwent severe challenges, but not to gain unfair advantage, rather to be a part of a sport that hasn’t fully accepted transgenders. ” Anaya said.
What Did Anaya’s Medical Reports Reveal?
Anaya shared an eight-page scientific report, which specified that:
- Her hemoglobin levels, glucose regulations, and power output were within or below the prescribed limits of the cisgender female athletes.
- Decline of muscle power and endurance levels under the hormone therapy.
- Comparison of bone density with female athletes.
- Cardiovascular evaluations.
- Reports provided by sports physicians and psychologists confirm her structural transition.
Anaya Appeal to BCCI and ICC
Furthermore, Anaya suggested the BCCI and ICC to take initiatives and encourage transgenders in women’s cricket:
“See! My message to the ICC and the BCCI is to start a conversation based on facts and not fear. It is important to build space and not destroy it.
I’m doing this not to gain sympathy. But to discuss the equal opportunity that is based on facts, truth, and understanding.
Moreover, Science declared my eligibility to participate in women’s cricket. But now I want to ask a main question that whether the entire world is ready to accept the truth or not,” Anaya added.
Are Cricket Bodies Ready for Trans Gender Inclusion?
NO! Despite Anaya’s daring appeal, neither the BCCI nor the ICC is ready to allow transgenders to compete in women’s cricket.
After the ODI World Cup 2023, the ICC, during a board meeting, announced the ban of transgender cricketers from women’s international cricket.
Moreover, the inclusion of trans athletes is still a controversial and sensitive topic to be debated. Although some international sports organizations have introduced certain policies, others have strictly banned transgender participation, citing the integrity and safety of women cricketers.
Currently, the BCCI and ICC haven’t responded to Anaya’s plea. But, the insiders reported that the cricketing bodies’ officials are constantly facing pressure to review the policies related to the participation of existing transgender athletes. Especially in the modern era, where more people are voicing their opinions to make sports more equitable and safe for everyone.
Final Opinion
Anaya Bangar wanted to replicate her father’s career path and always dreamt of playing for the Indian cricket team. But at some point, she came to realize the truth that she needed to live her true self as a trans woman.
Anaya currently lives in the United Kingdom and underwent hormone replacement therapy and a surgery the previous year so that her body matches her gender identity as a woman. These medical steps were part of her transition as a transgender woman.
Sanjay Bangar’s child believes that future transgender athletes won’t have to decide between their identity and their dream, as she wants them to follow their goals without being forced to give up.
Overall, Anaya’s appeal sends a strong message that sports must change with the times. Regardless of the world’s continuing debates, she voices her opinion for a new era that promotes inclusion and fairness without compromising one over the other.