Anaya Bangar Returns to Action, Set to Play for THIS Team in WPL 2026

Anaya Bangar, the daughter of former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar, has set social media buzzing after she shared a video on Instagram showing her practising with a Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) kit bag. Anaya is seen running at the start of the video, which provides insight into her level of fitness.

She then focuses on stretching and warm-up activities. She then puts on pads to get ready to bat. Her old dream comes alive again in the video, as she is seen holding a cricket bat and recalling her old days as a cricketer.

As soon as the video went viral, fans were left wondering will Anaya Bangar will play WPL 2026 or getting ready for the WPL auction. The WPL 2026 auction is scheduled for November 27 in New Delhi, and all teams have already released their player retention lists. The fourth season of the WPL is set to begin in January. RCB won their first WPL title in 2024, while the Mumbai Indians are the two-time and reigning champions.

Will Anaya Bangar Play WPL 2026?

The International Cricket Council has banned transgender players from international women's cricket. As a result, Anaya Bangar WPL Auction participation will not happen. Anaya had recently spoken about her family in an interview. Beyond the cricket conversation, however, her path has been courageous and inspirational.

Anaya, who was born male, changed her gender and publicly shared her experience on social media. Additionally, she shared an eight-page scientific study on her experience transitioning as a transgender athlete. Anaya Bangar, who presently resides in Manchester, is also unable to play cricket in England due to the ECB's new prohibition on transgender players.

Which City Will Host WPL 2026 Auction?

Since the date for the WPL 2026 mega auction was officially announced, the excitement has started building ahead of the fourth season of the Women's Premier League (WPL), one of the biggest cricket leagues in the world. On November 27, New Delhi will host the WPL 2026 mega auction. The announcement came earlier this month during the unveiling of the Women's Premier League retention list for the next season.

During the WPL auction, each cricket team will be given the option of putting together a squad of 18 players. A total of 73 positions - including 23 overseas positions are available across the five teams. The UP Warriorz Women are the team with the most rebuilding to do after keeping just one player uncapped player, Shweta Sehrawat in the WPL 2026 auction. They will have the biggest purse and four possibilities for Right To Match (RTM).

The remaining funds for each team were disclosed before to the auction, with UP Warriorz Women owning the most at ₹14.5 crore, followed by Gujarat Giants Women at ₹9 crore, Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women at ₹6.15 crore, Mumbai Indians Women at ₹5.75 crore, and Delhi Capitals Women at ₹5.7 crore. The UP Warriorz are well-positioned to make aggressive bids for the best players in WPL.