ICC unveils post-pregnancy return-to-play guidelines for women cricketers

The guidelines, as per the global body of cricket, are part of its broader commitment to player health, wellbeing and the continued growth of the women’s game.

After 30 action-packed matches, the stage is set for a crowing of the new Women’s T20 World Cup champions. The lively tournament spotlighted the ever-growing sport and the need to offer a level playing field for the women who hit the 22 yards. A new policy introduced by the ICC promises to do just that

By offering structured pathways for recovery, fitness, and reintegration, the guidelines ensure that future generations of cricketers won’t have to choose between family and career

New Delhi: Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has welcomed the International Cricket Council's newly launched post-pregnancy return-to-play guidelines, describing the initiative as a major step forward for women's cricket and athlete welfare.Reacting to the ICC's announcement on social media, Tendulkar praised the governing body's efforts to create a more supportive environment for female cricketers balancing motherhood and professional sport."Exceptional batting by the ICC. Empowerment in sport is about ensuring that a player's journey, in all phases, is supported with the right framework.Exceptional batting by the @ICC. Empowerment in sport is about ensuring that a player’s journey, in all phases, is supported with the right framework.Seeing the transition from 'choosing between' to 'doing both' is proof that we are playing the game the right way.A massive… https://t.co/8nTdZdcL51— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 23, 2026 'Bhai, Main Wapas Aa Raha Hun': Axar Patel Reveals Rishabh Pant's Phone Call After DC Return Confirmation | VIDEO "Seeing the transition from 'choosing between' to 'doing both' is proof that we are playing the game the right way. A massive boost for the future of women cricketers worldwide," Tendulkar posted on X.The ICC on Monday unveiled its Return to Play Post-Pregnancy Guidelines, a comprehensive framework aimed at helping female cricketers safely and confidently resume competitive cricket after childbirth. The initiative forms part of the ICC's broader 100% Cricket programme, which seeks to accelerate the growth of the women's game and improve support systems for players.Central to the framework is a six-step pathway, Ready, Review, Restore, Recondition, Return and Refine, designed to guide athletes through recovery, medical assessments, progressive training, cricket-specific conditioning and their eventual return to competition.The guidelines also recommend that every player be assigned a dedicated case manager, usually a doctor or physiotherapist, to coordinate medical care and support throughout pregnancy and the return-to-play process. Regular review meetings at key stages, including pregnancy, post-childbirth recovery and reintegration into cricket, have also been proposed.FIFA World Cup 2026: 1 Dead, 8 Injured In Stampede During Jordan Vs Algeria Public Screening In Amman In addition, the ICC has emphasised a player-centred approach involving multidisciplinary support teams comprising medical experts, physiotherapists, strength and conditioning coaches, psychologists, dietitians, coaches and family support networks.The policy further underlines the importance of player privacy, stating that decisions regarding public pregnancy announcements should remain solely with the player and that member boards should not require pregnancy testing.The move has been widely welcomed across the cricket community, particularly as more female cricketers choose to start families during their playing careers.Mexican Woman Passionately Kisses Visiting Football Fan Goes Viral During FIFA World Cup Celebrations - WATCH West Indies leg-spinner Afy Fletcher, who returned to international cricket after becoming a mother and is currently playing in the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup, also endorsed the initiative, saying it allows players the opportunity to have a family and continue pursuing their cricketing ambitions.The ICC believes the guidelines will help member boards create environments where motherhood and elite-level cricket can coexist, enabling more women to remain in the game while making informed choices about their careers and personal lives.(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)

New Delhi, June 22: After the International Cricket Council unveiled a comprehensive set of 'Return to Play Post-Pregnancy Guidelines' to safeguard the welfare of female cricketers who choose to start a family and return to competitive cricket, Chairman Jay Shah said the policies are a reminder that no player should have to choose between motherhood and representing her country at the highest level. "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,” said Shah in a statement on Monday.The guidelines aim to normalise conversations around women’s health and ensure that motherhood and professional cricket are not seen as mutually exclusive. The guidelines feature a six‑step ‘6 Rs’ pathway – Ready, Review, Restore, Recondition, Return, and Refine.The likes of West Indies leg-spinner Afy Fletcher, former New Zealand captain Amy Satterthwaite, ex-Pakistan skipper Bismah Maroof, and former Australia batter Sarah Elliot are examples of female cricketers who took the field after giving birth to their kids.Shah also stressed the fact that the guidelines would empower ICC’s member boards to better manage the careers of elite female athletes who are also mothers. "The ICC's Return to Play Post-Pregnancy Guidelines are an important step in creating a more supportive and informed environment across the game.FIFA World Cup 2026: Lionel Messi Scripts History As Argentina Seal Knockouts Spot With 2-0 Win Over Austria In Dallas“By providing Members with practical guidance, we want to ensure that female cricketers are supported through pregnancy and empowered to return to cricket with confidence,” he said.The document also recommends the appointment of dedicated case managers to oversee a player's return-to-play journey, regular management reviews at critical stages of pregnancy, and a strict policy stating that boards must not mandate pregnancy testing, ensuring the decision to announce a pregnancy rests entirely with the player."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," added Shah.(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and auto-generated from an agency feed.)

The ICC has introduced new post-pregnancy return-to-play guidelines to help female cricketers continue their careers after childbirth. The framework includes a six-step recovery model and support measures such as flexible training and childcare assistance. ICC chairman Jay Shah said the initiative reflects the governing body's commitment to ensuring women can thrive both on and off the field.