Anaya Bangar: A Trailblazer Redefining Cricket and Identity
TRENDING
In the world of cricket, where tradition often reigns supreme, Anaya Bangar is carving out a space for herself as a beacon of courage, resilience, and change. At just 23, this Mumbai-born, Manchester-based transgender woman has not only taken on the challenges of a male-dominated sport but also confronted systemic barriers with unwavering determination. From her roots as Aryan Bangar, the daughter of former Indian cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar, to becoming Anaya—a cricketer, graphic designer, and advocate for inclusivity—her story is one of transformation, both personal and societal.
A Cricketing Prodigy with a Unique Journey
Anaya’s love for cricket began early, nurtured under the guidance of her father, a respected figure in Indian cricket. As a left-handed batter and left-arm orthodox bowler, she honed her skills at prestigious institutions like the Mumbai Cricket Association and the Cricket Association of Pondicherry. She represented clubs such as Islam Gymkhana in Mumbai and Hinckley Cricket Club in Leicestershire, UK, playing alongside future stars like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, and Musheer Khan. But Anaya’s journey was far from typical. Born as Aryan, she carried the weight of her father’s legacy while navigating her gender identity in a sport steeped in rigid norms.
In 2024, Anaya publicly shared her transition, a 10-month process involving hormone replacement therapy and gender-affirming surgery. Her Instagram posts, filled with raw honesty and vibrant energy, documented this life-changing chapter. “I’m finally living as my true self,” she wrote, inspiring thousands of followers. But embracing her identity came with a cost—particularly in cricket, where inclusivity remains a distant goal.
Facing the ICC Ban and Systemic Challenges
In November 2023, the International Cricket Council (ICC) introduced a policy barring transgender women from international women’s cricket, citing “fairness and safety.” For Anaya, who dreamed of competing at the highest levels, the ruling was a devastating blow. She didn’t hold back, taking to social media to call out the policy’s lack of scientific grounding and its exclusionary impact. “Cricket is for everyone,” she posted, rallying support from fans and advocates alike.
But the challenges extended beyond policy. In a candid April 2025 interview with Lallantop, Anaya revealed the darker side of her cricketing experience. She alleged harassment and toxic masculinity within India’s cricket ecosystem, including unsolicited nude photos, verbal abuse, and inappropriate propositions from some cricketers, including a veteran. “I had to hide my identity because of my father’s name,” she shared, describing the pressure of playing alongside peers while grappling with her transition. The revelations sparked heated discussions online, with some praising her courage and others questioning her claims. Regardless, Anaya’s story exposed the urgent need for cultural change in sports.
Perhaps the most poignant moment came when she recounted a conversation with her father. After her transition, Sanjay told her there was “no place” for her in cricket. Anaya later clarified that he was reflecting the sport’s systemic realities, not rejecting her personally. Still, the words hit hard, pushing her to the brink of suicidal thoughts. Yet, Anaya’s resilience shone through. “I decided to live for myself,” she said, channeling her energy into advocacy and new career paths.
Beyond the Pitch: A Multifaceted Talent
Anaya is more than a cricketer. She’s a graphic designer and UI/UX specialist who runs Anaya Innovation, her own firm. She’s also eyeing a future in entertainment, leveraging her charisma and storytelling skills. On Instagram, she shares glimpses of her life—whether it’s smashing cover drives in practice or designing sleek digital interfaces. Her posts radiate confidence, but they also carry a deeper message: transgender individuals belong in every sphere, from sports to creative industries.
Interestingly, Anaya’s cricketing journey includes a mentorship from none other than Virat Kohli. The Indian cricket icon shared tips on handling pressure, advice that Anaya still cherishes. “He told me to focus on the process, not the noise,” she recalled. It’s a mantra she applies both on and off the field.
A Voice for Change
Anaya’s story is a powerful reminder that sports can be a battleground for identity and inclusion. Her advocacy goes beyond cricket, touching on universal themes of acceptance and self-worth. By speaking out against harassment, challenging discriminatory policies, and living authentically, she’s paving the way for future generations. “I want young trans kids to know they can dream big,” she said in her Lallantop interview.
Her journey also highlights the need for sports bodies to rethink their approach to transgender athletes. The ICC’s ban, while framed as a fairness measure, ignores the nuanced realities of hormone therapy and physical changes. Anaya’s case—backed by her years of training and competitive experience—challenges the notion that transgender women have an inherent advantage. As debates continue, her voice adds a human dimension to a complex issue.
What’s Next for Anaya?
At 23, Anaya Bangar is just getting started. Whether she’s designing innovative digital solutions, pursuing entertainment gigs, or advocating for inclusivity, she’s a force to be reckoned with. While international cricket may be out of reach for now, she continues to play at the club level, proving her skills with every boundary she scores. Her Instagram remains a vibrant space for inspiration, where she connects with fans and shares her evolving story.
Anaya’s journey is a testament to the power of self-belief in the face of adversity. She’s not just redefining her own path but challenging cricket—and society—to embrace diversity in all its forms. As she puts it, “I’m here to play, to create, and to live unapologetically.” And that, dear readers, is a story worth cheering for.