Anaya Bangar, the daughter of former Indian cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar, has bravely opened up about her journey after undergoing hormonal replacement therapy and gender reaffirming surgery. Anaya, who was once known as Aryan, has faced significant hurdles in her career and personal life since transitioning, especially in the world of cricket.
Anaya Bangar Facing Harassment After Surgery
In a recent interview, Anaya Bangar revealed that while there has been support, she has also faced harassment from some fellow cricketers following her gender reaffirmation surgery. “There have been a few cricketers who randomly sent me nude pictures,” Anaya shared, highlighting the inappropriate and troubling behavior she encountered.
Anaya also recounted another disturbing encounter with a veteran cricketer, who, after verbally abusing her, made an inappropriate proposal. Despite these challenges, she remains resilient in her pursuit of a career in cricket.
The Toxic Masculinity in Cricket
Anaya described the world of cricket as one filled with toxic masculinity, which forced her to hide her true identity for a long time, especially given her father’s prominence in the sport. She recalled her childhood memories of realizing that she identified as a girl, despite the societal expectations of her as a boy.
Anaya’s Disappointment with ICC’s New Rule on Transgender
Anaya, who has also played for clubs such as Islam Gymkhana and Hinckley Cricket Club, was deeply disappointed when the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced in November 2023 that transgender athletes would not be allowed to participate in women’s cricket. The decision has sparked criticism, but Anaya continues to speak out for inclusivity in the sport.
Anaya’s journey, though challenging, is a testament to her resilience and her commitment to breaking barriers in the world of cricket.