Marizanne Kapp criticises Cricket Australia's decision to include transgender cricketer Anaya Bangar

Marizanne Kapp and Anaya Bangar (Pic: ANI)

South Africa all-rounder Marizanne Kapp has voiced sharp criticism over Cricket Australia's (CA) decision to grant transgender athlete Anaya Bangar a return route into competitive women's cricket. Reacting to Australian media coverage of the decision, the veteran cricketer expressed firm disapproval on social media.

"Absolutely ridiculous. This should not be allowed."

Anaya, daughter of former Indian cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar, underwent gender-affirming surgery in March. Under Cricket Australia's Inclusion of Transgender and Gender Diverse Players in Elite Cricket Policy, she has been cleared to play community and Premier Cricket across any Australian state or territory until March 2027.

Provided she satisfies blood testing and testosterone requirements at that time, she will become eligible to pursue elite-level selection, including the Women's Big Bash League.

The governing body's decision followed a comprehensive review by an expert panel consisting of Jacqui Partridge, Emily Yates, Peter Roach, Dr. Peter Harcourt, and Dr. Pip Inge.

Anaya Bangar's perspective on the situation

In an official email sent to Anaya Bangar, Cricket Australia outlined the specific medical and biological conditions required for elite-level participation.

"Under Cricket Australia's Policy, a player seeking to participate in the female category of Elite Cricket must establish that their serum testosterone concentration has been below 10 nmol/L continuously for a period of no less than 12 months," said an email to Anaya from CA.

"Based on the medical information provided, this requirement will be satisfied in March 2027. Until March 2027, you remain eligible to participate in Premier Cricket competitions in any State or Territory of Australia. As Premier Cricket is classified as Community Cricket rather than Elite Cricket under the Policy, your participation in those competitions is not affected by this determination," added the email.

"My understanding from Cricket Australia's clearance is that my eligibility for elite women's cricket from March 2027 remains subject to the applicable policy requirements, including a blood test assessment at the same time. If that March 2027 test confirms that I continue to meet the required testosterone criteria, I will be eligible to pursue selection for elite women's cricket, including the Women's Big Bash League pathway," she added.