‘Absolutely ridiculous’: Marizanne Kapp hits out at decision allowing Anaya Bangar to play

South Africa allrounder Marizanne Kapp has criticised Cricket Australia’s decision to allow transgender cricketer Anaya Bangar to play community cricket, with eligibility for elite competitions such as the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) possible from March 2027 if she meets the required hormonal criteria.

Kapp, 36, who is approaching 300 international appearances for South Africa across formats, expressed her disapproval on Instagram. Sharing a screenshot of a report on Bangar’s eligibility, she wrote, “Absolutely ridiculous, this should not be allowed,” while also tagging the WBBL.

Bangar, 25, recently revealed that Cricket Australia had cleared her to play Premier Cricket competitions in Australia until March 2027. She underwent gender-affirming surgery earlier this year and said the decision had given her an opportunity to return to competitive cricket.

“It is a great day for me, especially after knowing that I can play cricket. There was a stage when I thought I would never play cricket again, but thanks to Cricket Australia, it has given me another chance,” Bangar told The Indian Express.

Bangar had earlier approached the BCCI but received no response before seeking clarification from Cricket Australia. CA Head of Integrity Jacqui Partridge informed her that she would remain eligible for Premier Cricket, classified as community cricket, until March 2027.

Her eligibility for elite cricket after that date will depend on meeting Cricket Australia’s policy requirements, including a blood test confirming that her serum testosterone level remains below 10 nmol/L.

Bangar, who was born male and is the child of former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar, has previously played age-group cricket alongside Sarfaraz Khan and Musheer Khan.

A BCCI official told The Indian Express that the board is yet to formulate a position on transgender participation in domestic cricket. “When it comes to the ICC, they have said no to it. BCCI is yet to decide what can be done in such cases. As this is the first time such a case has come up, the board is yet to take a stand,” the official said.