Anaya Bangar should not be allowed in women's cricket: Marizanne Kapp

Marizanne Kapp has criticised Cricket Australia's decision to clear Anaya Bangar to play the WBBL, calling the move "absolutely ridiculous". Kapp is not in favour of Anaya, a transgender woman, playing in the women's league.Marizanne Kapp lashes out at WBBL over Anaya Bangar decision. (Photo: Reuters)South Africa star Marizanne Kapp has hit out at Cricket Australia’s decision to clear India’s Anaya Bangar to play women’s cricket in Australia, saying transgender athletes should not be allowed to compete in women’s cricket.Kapp reacted to the development on Instagram after Anaya, the daughter of former India cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar, was cleared by Cricket Australia to play women’s community and Premier Cricket across Australia.“Absolutely ridiculous, this should not be allowed,” Kapp wrote on her Instagram. Courtesy: Instagram The comments come days after Anaya spoke publicly about Cricket Australia’s decision and her plans to return to competitive cricket, with elite cricket potentially in sight from March 2027. Marizanne Kapp is the first high-profile women's cricketer to speak out against this decision. Kapp is one of South Africa’s most accomplished women’s cricketers, having represented the national team across formats for more than a decade.A key player for South Africa, Kapp has been part of the growth of women’s cricket both internationally and through franchise competitions.ANAYA’S PATH BACK TO WOMEN’S CRICKET Anaya, who was assigned male at birth, has been on a journey to return to cricket as a transgender woman after previously playing in Mumbai’s youth cricket system as a top-order batter and all-rounder.She publicly revealed in 2023 that she had begun hormone replacement therapy and later underwent gender-affirming surgery in 2026.Cricket Australia has now cleared her to play women’s community and Premier Cricket across all states and territories. The decision has opened up a possible pathway towards elite women’s cricket, although Anaya stressed that she has not been guaranteed a place in any team.Her immediate focus is on returning to competitive cricket and proving herself on the field.‘MY CRICKET MUST EARN ME A PLACE’Anaya has insisted that her identity or history should not determine whether she gets picked for an elite team.She said Cricket Australia’s clearance provides her with a pathway, rather than automatic entry into an elite squad. Any move into elite women’s cricket from March 2027 will remain subject to the applicable eligibility requirements, including the relevant testosterone criteria and blood-test assessment.Anaya said she still has to train, compete and perform before earning an opportunity.She also made clear that she does not expect her journey as a transgender athlete to be used as a reason for her selection.Her stated aim is to earn a place through her cricket.KAPP TAKES AIM AT WBBLKapp’s reaction, however, directly challenges the pathway that Cricket Australia has opened up for Anaya.The South African all-rounder questioned the very principle of allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s cricket, describing the decision as “absolutely ridiculous”.Kapp’s comments also come in the context of Anaya’s stated ambition of eventually pursuing elite cricket in Australia, including the possibility of playing in the Women’s Big Bash League.Anaya had earlier said that Cricket Australia’s decision was a significant milestone not only for herself but also for other transgender athletes hoping to continue their sporting careers.ICC RULES DIFFER FROM CAAnaya’s potential return to elite cricket also comes against the backdrop of different eligibility frameworks governing international and domestic cricket.The ICC’s current policy, introduced in 2023, does not permit transgender women who have experienced male puberty to compete in international women’s cricket.Cricket Australia’s domestic framework, however, has allowed Anaya to participate in community and Premier Cricket after considering her case under its own eligibility process.That distinction is important for Anaya’s ambitions. Her clearance to play domestic cricket does not automatically mean she is eligible for international cricket, nor does it guarantee selection in an elite competition.For now, Anaya has a pathway back into women’s cricket in Australia. Whether she can turn that pathway into an elite career will ultimately depend on her eligibility, performances and selection.- EndsPublished By: Kingshuk KusariPublished On: Aug 28, 2026 14:34 IST