Indian cricketer Sarfaraz Khan recently hosted a special visitor at his home – Anaya Bangar, a former cricketer who made headlines for changing her gender from male to female. Anaya’s father, Sanjay Bangar, is a former Indian cricketer, making their connection to the sport even deeper. The two have known each other since childhood, and their friendship has stood the test of time.
Reconnecting with Childhood Friends
Anaya shared photos and videos of her visit to Sarfaraz’s home, where she met his family. In one post, she wrote, “We picked up bats before we picked up phones. Good friends from the start.” The photos show Anaya and Sarfaraz sitting on top of a Thar car, which Sarfaraz had recently modified to feature his jersey number 97. Sarfaraz expressed his joy at reuniting with Anaya after nearly 2-3 years.
The visit wasn’t just a casual meetup; it was a reunion of childhood friends who share a deep connection through cricket. Anaya also shared an old photo of herself with Sarfaraz and another friend, Mushir Khan, who currently plays for the Punjab Kings in the IPL. The three have known each other since their early cricketing days.
A Journey of Self-Discovery
Anaya’s journey has not been without its challenges. In a recent interview, she revealed that she had realized she was in the wrong gender by the age of 8 or 9. She played cricket with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, and Mushir Khan, but kept her true identity hidden due to her father’s prominence in the cricket world. When her father discovered her secret, he told her that there was no place for someone like her in cricket.
Despite these challenges, Anaya has found support in her friends, including Sarfaraz. Their reunion is a testament to the strong bonds they formed on the cricket field, bonds that have endured despite the ups and downs of life.
Anaya’s story is one of resilience and friendship. As she continues on her path, she is supported by friends like Sarfaraz Khan, who have known her since their cricketing days together.