'The hypocrisy is too loud to ignore' - Anaya Bangar raises voice against ECB's double standards towards trans cricketers

Anaya Bangar, daughter of former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar and a trans woman, has criticized the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for being performative allyship and hypocritical towards the transgender community. She pointed out that the ECB displayed pride-themed stumps during the first three days of the ongoing India-England Test at Headingley, and removed them from Day 4 onwards.

Earlier this year, the ECB carried out a controversial regulation excluding transgender women from competing in all levels of women's and girls' cricket. Citing the UK Supreme Court's recent ruling and fairness in competition, the board announced that only individuals assigned female at birth would be allowed to participate in women’s cricket. Trans women and girls, under this rule, must compete only in mixed or open cricket formats.

While the ECB has revealed that it is working with Recreational Cricket Boards to support those affected by this change, Anaya took to Instagram to post a video slamming the ECB for hypocrisy. Noticing the use of rainbow-themed pride flags on the stumps in the first three days of the Test match.

"These are the words from ECB’s Rainbow Laces campaign: 'Creating safe spaces for discussion. Demonstrating commitment to inclusivity. Fostering open conversations and involving LGBTQ+ supporters.'

But here’s the reality: On Day 2 of the India vs England Test Match, there were Pride flags on the stumps while at the same time, the UK Supreme Court rolled back trans women’s rights from the Equality Act. The ECB banned trans women from not just elite, but even professional cricket. So, who is this inclusivity really for? You can’t celebrate Pride while erasing trans women from the sport. This is not inclusion. It’s performative allyship. And the hypocrisy is too loud to ignore," she wrote on her Instagram.

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Anaya Bangar wishes to get back to competitive cricket

The 24-year-old began her transition in 2021 and has since become an advocate for trans rights in sports. She has aspirations of playing competitive cricket again and recently called on both the BCCI and ICC to revisit their policies toward trans athletes.

“It began as me wanting to play again, but the more I spoke up, the more I realised that my journey is tied to so many who feel invisible in Indian sport. My personal dream and public advocacy have become the same thing now. Walking back onto the field, this time as Anaya, won’t just be about playing but reclaiming the right to belong, compete, and dream with dignity,” she wrote.