New Delhi: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced new Return to Play Post-Pregnancy Guidelines aimed at helping female cricketers safely and confidently resume their careers after childbirth.
The framework provides practical guidance for players, Member Boards, coaches and medical professionals, reflecting the growing professionalism of the women’s game and the increasing number of players choosing to start families while continuing their sporting careers.
The initiative forms part of the ICC’s wider commitment to player health and wellbeing, with women’s cricket identified as one of the organisation’s six strategic priorities. It also builds on a series of women’s health programmes delivered through the ICC’s 100% Cricket movement, which seeks to improve education, raise awareness and encourage open discussion around women’s health issues in the sport.
Framework designed to support player welfare
Designed as a template for Member Boards to adapt in accordance with local laws and regulations, the guidelines focus on supporting player welfare through physical, medical and psychological care during and after pregnancy.
Central to the framework is the “6 Rs” approach – Ready, Review, Restore, Recondition, Return and Refine. The model outlines each stage of a player’s journey back to competitive cricket, from early recovery following childbirth and medical assessments to structured training, cricket-specific conditioning, return to competition and ongoing monitoring.
The guidelines were drafted under the leadership of Dr Philippa Inge, a member of the ICC Medical Advisory Committee and team doctor for Australia. The document also highlights practical support measures, including flexible training arrangements, access to facilities and medical services, childcare guidance, designated spaces for feeding or caring for babies at venues and travel assistance where possible.
Dr Inge said the aim of the guidelines was to reassure players that motherhood does not have to signal the end of an international career.
“The ICC’s Return to Play Post-Pregnancy Guidelines are designed to show players that having a baby doesn’t need to be the end of their career, and what we’re aiming to do with this policy is allow Member nations to facilitate the return to cricket for their players,” she said.
She added that the framework had been deliberately designed to be adaptable to the differing circumstances of ICC members.
“The guidelines serve as a template for Members, and strong support for an athlete returning to cricket post-pregnancy needs to be individualised to the specific needs of them and their family.”
Players welcome greater support for mothers
Among those welcoming the move is West Indies spinner Afy Fletcher, who returned to international cricket after giving birth to her son in 2021 and is currently competing at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2026.
Fletcher said the new guidance would help more players continue their careers after becoming mothers.
“I think it’s really good that the ICC is giving cricket boards policies to look after women after pregnancy,” she said. “It gives you a chance to have your family and then return, so I think that’s one of the best things they could have done for women’s cricket.”
Reflecting on her own experience, Fletcher said the emotional challenges of returning to elite sport could be as demanding as the physical recovery.
“Physical recovery was challenging, but more than that, I struggled to leave my child and miss creating precious moments. That’s why every moment I play on the field is driven by him. Every player’s journey is different, but you have to have strong support, get healthy and trust the process.”
ICC Chairman Jay Shah said the guidelines represented an important step towards ensuring female cricketers receive the support they need throughout their careers.
“The continued growth of women’s cricket must be built on opportunity, inclusion and care for our players at every stage of their lives and careers. No player should have to choose between motherhood and representing her country at the highest level,” Shah said.
He added that the guidelines would help create a more supportive environment across the game while strengthening pathways for current and future generations of female cricketers.
“As women’s cricket continues to grow globally, it is essential that we protect player welfare, retain talented athletes and strengthen pathways for current and future generations. These Guidelines reflect our commitment to building a game where women can thrive, both on and off the field.”