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Anaya Bangar<\/strong> has responded to criticism from South Africa<\/strong> all-rounder Marizanne Kapp<\/strong><\/a> over her pathway back to competitive women\u2019s cricket. The comments come after Cricket<\/strong> Australia<\/strong> cleared Anaya for a pathway towards elite women\u2019s cricket under its Inclusion of Transgender and Gender Diverse Players<\/strong> in Elite Cricket Policy.<\/p>\n Kapp had strongly criticised the decision, while Anaya is currently eligible to play community cricket in any state or territory of Australia. Her eligibility for elite cricket from March 2027 remains subject to the policy requirements.<\/p>\n Kapp had criticised Cricket Australia\u2019s decision to provide Anaya with a pathway towards elite women\u2019s cricket, arguing that her participation should not be allowed. Bangar responded by urging those opposed to her participation to understand the subject and the guidelines involved.<\/p>\n \u201cI think people who want to raise their voice against it should actually educate themselves on this topic, and I\u2019ve 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\u2019s personal opinion is in that sort of way, I hope they go and educate themselves,\u201d<\/em> she said while speaking to PTI.<\/p>\n Anaya, the daughter of former India cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar<\/strong>, underwent gender-affirming surgery in March this year. She said the process through which Cricket Australia assessed her was neither automatic nor informal, with her medical history, hormone levels, cricketing background and other relevant information taken into consideration. She also said her most recent blood test in July recorded total testosterone at 0.6 nanomoles, which she said was within the female reference range reported by the laboratory.<\/p>\n Also READ: DPL sensation Medhavi Bidhuri makes a special request to Virat Kohli<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Anaya is currently in talks with a few cricket clubs in Australia and is yet to decide where she will begin playing. Her immediate focus is on community cricket, with a potential Women\u2019s Big Bash League<\/strong><\/a> opportunity a longer-term goal.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026basically 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\u2019s Big Bash League. So, baby steps from here, but the major part of having a place to play has been cleared,\u201d<\/em> she concluded.<\/p>\n While Cricket Australia has cleared her for a pathway towards elite women\u2019s cricket, the decision does not guarantee selection for any team. Anaya will first look to establish herself at club level and work her way forward through her performances.<\/p>\n Also READ: England legend Kate Cross announces retirement from professional cricket<\/a><\/strong> <\/p>\n This article was first published at WomenCricket.com<\/a>, a Cricket Times<\/a> company.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nAnaya Bangar responds to Marizanne Kapp\u2019s criticism<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Bangar plans next steps in cricket<\/strong><\/h2>\n