Anaya Bangar Shares Struggles After Surgery Amid Controversial Cricketer Photos

Anaya Bangar, the child of former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar, has embarked on a transformative journey after undergoing hormonal replacement therapy and gender reaffirming surgery. Formerly known as Aryan, Anaya, an athlete with aspirations in cricket, faced significant barriers in her sporting career post-transition. Currently residing in the UK, Anaya shared her experiences and struggles with ‘toxic masculinity’ in the cricketing world during a recent interview.

At just eight years old, Anaya began expressing her identity, feeling a disconnect from the gender assigned at birth. She played alongside notable cricketers but often had to hide her true self, concerned about the reactions from peers and coaches. Following her surgery, Anaya encountered both support and harassment from fellow players, including unwanted advances and inappropriate messages.

In November 2023, the ICC announced that transgender athletes would not be permitted to participate in women’s cricket, igniting discussions about inclusivity and safety in the sport. Anaya expressed her disappointment regarding this decision, emphasizing the need for change and understanding within cricket.

As she continues to champion her identity and rights in Manchester, Anaya remains active on social media, sharing her journey and advocating for inclusivity in sports.