Anaya Bangar, daughter of former India all-rounder Sanjay Bangar, recently drew attention after opening up about her journey through hormone replacement therapy and gender-affirming surgery. Formerly known as Aryan, Anaya has also represented in age-group cricket.
In a candid interview with Lallantop, Anaya made some serious revelations, including facing sexual harassment. She also shared that some fellow cricketers had sent her inappropriate pictures after learning about her trans identity. Anaya further spoke about the presence of toxic masculinity in the cricketing world, highlighting the challenges she has faced.
“For me it was when I was eight or nine years old, I used to pick clothes from my mom’s cupboard and wear them. Then, I used to look into the mirror and say, ‘I am a girl. I want to be a girl’,” Anaya told the Lallantop.
“I have played with some well-known cricketers like Musheer Khan, Sarfaraz Khan, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. I had to maintain secrecy about myself because dad is a well known figure. Cricket world is filled with insecurity and toxic masculinity,” she added.
“The person used to give gaalis in front of everybody. The same person then used to come and sit beside me and ask for my photos. In another instance, when I was in India, I told a veteran cricketer about my situation. He told me let’s go in the car. I want to sleep with you,” she added.
All You Need to Know About Anaya Bangar
Anaya Bangar, daughter of former India all-rounder Sanjay Bangar, has followed in her father’s footsteps by playing club cricket. She has represented Islam Gymkhana in local matches and has also played for Hinckley Cricket Club in Leicestershire.
Currently residing in Manchester, UK, Anaya has been vocal about issues faced by transgender athletes in sports. She expressed her disappointment after the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that transgender athletes would not be allowed to participate in women’s cricket.
Anaya has also criticized the cricketing system for failing to support trans women athletes. She highlighted the lack of proper regulations and urged authorities to create inclusive policies. “Athletes shouldn’t have to choose between their passion and their identity,” she said.