Cricketer Anaya Bangar, daughter of former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar, has set social media buzzing after she shared a video on her Instagram handle where she was seen practicing on a cricket field with a Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) kit bag.
The video quickly went viral, leaving fans wondering – is she about to join the RCB Women’s team for the upcoming fourth edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL)?
The timing of her post couldn’t be more interesting. The player retention list for all teams is already out, and the WPL 2025 auction is set to take place on November 27 in New Delhi.
The league’s fourth season is scheduled for January, with Mumbai Indians entering as the two-time and defending champions, while RCB lifted their maiden WPL trophy in 2024.
But beyond the cricket talk, Anaya Bangar’s journey has been an inspiring and brave one. Born male, Anaya later transitioned to female, sharing her story openly on social media. She also posted an eight-page scientific report explaining her transition journey as a transgender athlete.
The report, prepared by Manchester Metropolitan University, highlighted that after one year of hormone therapy, her testosterone levels and muscle mass had become consistent with that of a cisgender female athlete.
At present, according to the International Cricket Council (ICC), transgender women who have gone through male puberty are not allowed to participate in international women’s cricket. This decision, made in November 2023, was based on factors such as fairness, safety, and the integrity of women’s cricket.
Anaya’s story has now sparked a wider conversation, not just about her possible future in the WPL, but also about inclusivity in cricket.
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