Sanjay Bangar's Son Anaya Shares Hormonal Transformation Journey After Sex Change Surgery

In a powerful revelation that has taken the internet by storm, Sanjay Bangar’s son Aryan, now known as Anaya, shared her emotional and transformative journey of gender reassignment on social media. Through a heartfelt post on Instagram, Anaya opened up about the struggles and triumphs she has encountered over the last eleven months since undergoing sex change surgery, shedding light on the hormonal transformation process and her evolving relationship with the sport she has always loved.

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A post shared by Anaya Bangar (@anayabangar)

From Aryan to Anaya: A Journey of Self-Discovery

Former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar’s son, Aryan, has been a part of the cricketing world from a young age. A left-handed batter who played for Islam Gymkhana and later represented Hinckley Cricket Club in Leicestershire, Aryan's love for the game was clear. Yet, despite a promising future in the sport, a different kind of journey beckoned as Aryan began to transition.

In her Instagram post, Anaya reflects on how cricket was intertwined with her early life. “Growing up, I watched my dad with awe as he represented and coached the country, and it wasn’t long before I started dreaming about following in his footsteps,” she wrote. For Anaya, cricket was not just a sport—it was a passion, a dream, and an ambition that had been nurtured through years of dedication. But her story took an unexpected turn as she transitioned and faced a harsh reality that the game she loved was slipping away.

Hormone Replacement Therapy: A Painful Reality

Anaya’s post highlights the profound impact of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on her athletic abilities. As her body underwent changes, the muscle mass, strength, and stamina that had once been her greatest assets began to fade. “The game I’ve loved for so long is slipping away from me,” Anaya confessed, revealing the toll that transitioning took on her physical performance.

Her heartfelt words underline the struggles faced by many transgender individuals trying to pursue professional sports. The absence of clear regulations for trans women in cricket, Anaya points out, has created an environment where they are often forced out of the game, not due to lack of talent or passion, but because the rules haven't kept pace with the evolving reality of gender identity.

The Challenge of Inclusion: Cricket’s Unsettling Rules for Transgender Athletes

For Anaya, the challenges go beyond personal transformation. She faces a legal and sporting landscape that complicates her desire to play cricket professionally. “What hurts more is that there are no proper regulations for trans women in cricket,” she wrote. “It feels like the system is forcing me out, not because I lack the drive or talent, but because the rules haven’t caught up with the reality of who I am.”

As a trans woman, Anaya’s testosterone levels are significantly lower, yet the regulations in place by bodies like the ICC (International Cricket Council) and the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) prevent her from competing at a professional level. The ICC's 2023 ruling, which disallows players who have transitioned after male puberty from competing in women’s international cricket, has added to the frustration felt by Anaya and many other transgender athletes. Recently, the ECB announced a similar ban for transgender women in the top tiers of women's domestic cricket, effective from 2025. These decisions have sparked outrage and calls for more inclusive policies that acknowledge the realities of transitioning.

A Glimmer of Hope: Anaya’s Continuing Journey

Despite these challenges, Anaya remains resolute. Though she may no longer pursue a professional cricket career, she finds solace in embracing her true self. “Embracing my true self meant making hard choices, letting go of the comfort of fitting in, and standing up for who I am,” she shared. “Today, I’m proud to be a part of the sport I love at any level or category, not only as an athlete but as my authentic self.”

Anaya’s journey is not just about cricket; it’s about self-discovery and the courage to live authentically in a world that often feels unprepared to accommodate such transitions. Now based in Manchester, Anaya continues to play cricket at a local level, recently scoring 145 runs in a match, showcasing her enduring love for the game despite the system’s limitations.