Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar’s son has shared his journey: from Aryan to Anaya. Anaya is undergoing Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and her testosterone levels are now at the average level for a cisgender woman.
She currently lives in Manchester where she frequently shares videos of herself batting. In a recent video documenting her transformation she included photos with former Indian captain MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli.
“Chasing my dream of playing cricket professionally has been a journey filled with sacrifices, resilience, and unwavering dedication. From early mornings on the field to facing the doubts and judgments of others, every step has demanded strength,” Anaya wrote in the caption.
“But beyond the game I had another journey. A path of self-discovery and a lot of challenges faced. Embracing my true self meant making hard choices letting go of the comfort of fitting in and standing up for who I am even when it wasn’t easy. Today, I’m proud to be a part of the sport I love at any level or category, not only as an athlete but as my authentic self. The road hasn’t been easy, but finding my true self has been the greatest victory of all,” the young cricketer added.
Previously, Aryan represented Islam Gymkhana in local club cricket, the same club his father, Sanjay, played for. In England, Anaya played for Hinckley Cricket Club in Leicestershire.
According to an International Cricket Council (ICC) statement last year, transgender athletes are not eligible to play women’s cricket.
“Inclusivity is incredibly important to us as a sport, but our priority was to protect the integrity of the international women’s game and the safety of players,” ICC CEO Geoff Allardice said in 2023.
Anaya shared a post addressing the rule, explaining that it was impossible for her to meet ICC regulations, as women’s cricket only allows players who transitioned before male puberty.
Anaya often shares details of her transformation, noting that she is losing the strength she worked hard to build for her cricket career.
