Anaya Bangar On Cricket Acting Family And Her Dream Of Returning To The Game

For Anaya Bangar, cricket has never simply been a sport. It has been a passion that remained close to her heart even during the most difficult periods of her life. In an exclusive interview, Anaya opened up about her return to cricket, her clearance and eligibility to eventually play in the Women's Big Bash League, her interest in acting and the personal challenges she faced with her family after her gender transition.

Anaya recalled how painful it was to watch her friends continue playing while she did not have the opportunity or platform to compete. At one point, she felt that cricket might no longer be possible for her. But after taking the necessary steps and receiving clearance and eligibility to eventually play in the Women's Big Bash League, that sense of possibility has returned.

“It was very sad watching my friends play while I didn't have the opportunity or a place to play myself. But after taking all the necessary steps, now that I’ve received clearance and eligibility to eventually play in the Women's Big Bash League—if my journey has helped others understand people like me, and if it fosters a safer and more inclusive environment—then I believe I made the right choice. I am incredibly grateful to Cricket Australia; initially, I felt that cricket might never be possible for me, no matter how hard I tried. But now, having secured clearance and eligibility for the Women's Big Bash League, I’m just happy—that sense of hope has returned.”

Anaya explained that there was a time when she was prepared to give up cricket altogether. Her transition was something she described as a matter of survival, and she had reached a point where she believed that if walking away from cricket was the price she had to pay, she would accept it. Life, however, had another plan.

“Yes, it was very sad watching my friends play while I lacked the opportunity or a platform to compete at any level. But ultimately, transitioning was a matter of survival for me, so I took that step. At the time, I felt that if I had to give up cricket, so be it. But life has a crazy way of unfolding, and I feel truly blessed—very lucky.”

That renewed opportunity has also changed the way Anaya looks at the game. She believes the lessons she learned through her transition have made her stronger and that she can now bring that resilience into her cricketing journey.

“Definitely; the transition taught me so many life lessons and gave me a deeper understanding of things. It made me stronger and helped me understand what the real world is actually like. If anything, the transition has strengthened me; it’s been a blessing. I intend to apply that same mindset and the lessons I’ve learned to my cricketing skills as well.”

While cricket remains a major passion, Anaya is not closing the door on other creative opportunities. Her growing public profile has brought attention from different areas of entertainment, and she revealed that she is open to exploring acting alongside cricket.

“Yes, and I’m still open to opportunities. Why can’t I do both cricket and acting? Well, when you get into cricket, things do get busy—there’s practice, then participating in various tournaments that can last for months, and the training required beforehand. Managing that time is bound to be difficult, but I am ready to give 100% to both.”

Her determination to pursue both worlds comes despite knowing how demanding professional cricket can be. Training, practice and tournaments can consume months, leaving little room for another career. Yet Anaya believes that with the right commitment, she can give her best to both cricket and acting.

The journey has not been without emotional challenges. Anaya spoke candidly about the difficult period she experienced after her transition, including family issues and heavy trolling on social media. While she received support from some people, the negativity was also difficult to process.

“It was a huge mental strain. Everything changed so drastically in such a short time. I’m still trying to process and understand this new life. It was a lot to handle, especially doing it all in the public eye—it’s been a new experience for me. But then again, if my journey helps others understand people like me—other trans individuals—and fosters a safer, more inclusive environment, then I think I made the right choice. It is heartbreaking when your own family doesn't support you, because we always want our family on our side—supporting us regardless of what the rest of society says.”

For Anaya, family remains an especially emotional subject. The absence of unconditional support from loved ones can make an already difficult journey even harder, but she believes her own resilience helped her keep moving forward.

“But ultimately, I made this decision myself, and the resilience and grit I’ve shown and tapped into... well, I honestly don't know what to say at this point. Everything is turning out great for me; I feel truly blessed by God.”

Today, Anaya is looking ahead rather than spending all her energy on what has already happened. She revealed that she is still focusing on her recovery and wants to use this period to travel, explore new places, work on herself and return to the gym. Her goal is simple: to feel confident, healthy and ready for whatever comes next.

“As for life, I’m still focusing on my recovery; my life hasn't really 'started' yet in the full sense. But to be honest, I want to travel. I want to visit new places and work on myself, and I’m planning to hit the gym as well. I want to look and feel my best. So, I’m really looking forward to that phase of my life.”

When the conversation turned to marriage and children, Anaya made it clear that she is in no rush. She said marriage is something she sees happening later in life, unless she meets the right person sooner. For now, her attention remains firmly on herself and her future.

“It’s too soon for me to get married. I think if I do get married, it will be later in life—unless, of course, the right person comes along; that hasn't happened yet.”

As for the possibility of appearing on Bigg Boss 20, Anaya once again chose not to give a definitive answer. With no official confirmation, she kept the possibility open while making it clear that she would need to think carefully before taking on such a major reality television opportunity.

“I’d have to think about it; I might do it, or I might not.”

For now, though, cricket remains one of the biggest unfinished chapters in Anaya Bangar’s story. The clearance and eligibility to eventually play in the Women's Big Bash League has brought back a hope she once thought she had lost. Whether that journey eventually takes her onto the field, into acting or perhaps both, Anaya is determined to give herself a chance.

Her story is no longer simply about returning to cricket. It is about rebuilding a life, carrying hard-earned lessons into the future and proving that one difficult chapter does not have to define the entire story.