London: In a significant step towards supporting female athletes, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled comprehensive Return-to-Play Post-Pregnancy Guidelines aimed at helping women cricketers resume their careers after childbirth.
The initiative comes at a time when women’s cricket is becoming increasingly professional, with more players opting to start families while continuing their sporting careers. The guidelines are intended to assist players, national cricket boards, medical teams and coaches in managing a safe and sustainable return to elite cricket after pregnancy.
The ICC said the new framework reflects its commitment to player welfare and the long-term growth of women’s cricket, which remains one of the governing body’s key strategic priorities.
Recognising that motherhood and professional sport can coexist, the guidelines offer practical and medical support while encouraging member nations to develop their own pregnancy and return-to-play policies in line with local laws and regulations.
At the heart of the document is the “6 Rs” model — Ready, Review, Restore, Recondition, Return and Refine. The framework covers every stage of the process, from recovery after childbirth and medical assessments to structured training, cricket-specific conditioning, return to competition and ongoing monitoring.
The guidelines also emphasise the importance of creating a supportive environment for mothers returning to the sport. Recommendations include flexible training schedules, access to facilities and support services, childcare guidance, dedicated spaces for feeding and caring for infants at venues, and travel assistance wherever possible.
The drafting of the guidelines was led by Dr. Philippa Inge, a member of the ICC Medical Advisory Committee and team doctor for Australia. She said the objective was to ensure that having a child does not force female athletes to choose between motherhood and cricket.
“These guidelines are designed to show players that having a baby does not have to mean the end of their cricket career,” Dr. Inge said. “Every player’s circumstances are different, and the support offered must be tailored to the needs of the athlete and her family.”
The initiative has received strong backing from current players, including West Indies spinner Afy Fletcher, who successfully returned to international cricket after giving birth to her son in 2021 and is currently competing in the Women’s World Cup.
Fletcher welcomed the move, saying it would encourage more women to remain in the game after becoming mothers.
“It gives players the opportunity to have a family and still continue their cricket careers,” Fletcher said. “That is one of the most positive developments women’s cricket could have introduced.”
Reflecting on her own experience, Fletcher said the emotional challenges of returning to professional sport were often greater than the physical recovery.
“Leaving my child and missing important moments was the hardest part. Every player’s journey is different, but strong support systems, patience and trust in the process are essential,” she said.
An ICC spokesperson described the guidelines as an important milestone in creating a more inclusive and sustainable environment for women in cricket.
“The growth of women’s cricket must be matched by the support structures around our players,” the spokesperson said. “Motherhood and elite cricket should not be viewed as mutually exclusive. These guidelines are intended to help boards support informed choices, safeguard player welfare and retain talented cricketers within the sport.”
The ICC has already launched several women’s health initiatives under its 100% Cricket programme, aimed at increasing awareness and encouraging open discussions around issues affecting female athletes.
The new post-pregnancy framework is expected to provide a blueprint for cricket boards worldwide, ensuring that female players can pursue both motherhood and professional cricket without compromising either ambition.
