'Absolutely ridiculous' - Marizanne Kapp slams Cricket Australia's transgender athlete pathway decision

South Africa all-rounder Marizanne Kapp has criticised Cricket Australia's decision to offer transgender athlete Anaya Bangar a pathway to competitive cricket. Anaya Bangar, 25 years old and daughter of former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar, underwent gender-affirming surgery in March 2026 and has been granted eligibility to participate in community cricket competitions across Australia until March 2027.

Cricket Australia's framework for assessing Anaya's case involved a comprehensive review of medical history, hormone levels, cricketing background and scientific research conducted with Manchester Metropolitan University's Institute of Sport. The expert panel included Jacqui Partridge (CA Head of Integrity), Emily Yates (CA Integrity Partner, Legal), Peter Roach (CA Head of Scheduling, Operations and Domestic Cricket), Dr Peter Harcourt (CA Anti-Doping Medical Officer) and Dr Pip Inge (CA Team Doctor).

"Absolutely ridiculous. This should not be allowed," Kapp wrote on her Instagram story.

Anaya Bangar cleared to play women's cricket

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Anaya Bangar cleared to play women's cricket

Cricket Australia's policy requires serum testosterone concentration below 10 nanomoles per litre continuously for no less than 12 months for female elite cricket eligibility. Anaya is eligible to play community cricket in any state or territory of Australia until March 2027, when she will face a testosterone test to determine her eligibility for elite-level competition.

Anaya's recent blood test shows total testosterone at 0.6 nanomoles, which falls within the female reference range. If she meets policy requirements at the March 2027 assessment, she will become eligible to pursue selection for elite women's cricket, including the Women's Big Bash League pathway from that date onwards.

Anaya's clarification on eligibility versus selection

Anaya held a press conference in Mumbai on August 26, 2026, where she clarified the distinction between eligibility and selection. She stated that Cricket Australia's decision grants her a pathway to compete, not a guaranteed place in any team, and that she must earn her opportunity through performance and training. She previously played age-group men's cricket for Mumbai before transitioning.

"Eligibility is not selection. Cricket Australia has given me a pathway, which does not mean that I have been given a place in a team," Anaya explained at the press conference.