Guidelines recommend dedicated case managers, multidisciplinary support teams and flexible training pathways to ensure motherhood does not signal the end of a professional cricket career….reports Asian Lite News Desk
The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday introduced comprehensive post-pregnancy return-to-play guidelines aimed at helping female cricketers resume their professional careers after childbirth, marking a significant step towards strengthening support systems in women’s cricket.
The new framework, developed under the ICC’s “100% Cricket” initiative, provides member boards, players, coaches and medical teams with a structured roadmap to manage an athlete’s journey from pregnancy through recovery and eventual return to competitive cricket.
As more women cricketers choose to balance motherhood with professional sport, the ICC said the guidelines are designed to ensure that starting a family does not become a barrier to continuing a cricketing career.
At the heart of the framework is a six-stage pathway known as the “6 Rs” — Ready, Review, Restore, Recondition, Return and Refine. The model outlines the various phases a player may progress through, ranging from post-birth recovery and medical assessments to gradual physical conditioning, cricket-specific training and ongoing monitoring after returning to competition.
The guidelines seek to standardise support structures across cricketing nations while allowing flexibility to accommodate different medical systems and player circumstances.
Dr Philippa Inge, team doctor for Australia and a member of the ICC Medical Advisory Committee, said the initiative was intended to reassure players that motherhood and elite-level cricket can successfully coexist.
“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. The aim is to help member nations create environments that enable players to return to cricket safely and confidently,” she said.
According to Dr Inge, the framework serves as a practical template, particularly for boards that may not previously have had formal policies addressing post-pregnancy athlete care.
“The support provided to a returning athlete must always be tailored to the individual needs of the player and her family. Every journey is different, and the guidelines have been created with that flexibility in mind,” she added.
A key recommendation in the document is the appointment of a dedicated case manager, typically a doctor or physiotherapist, who would act as the central point of contact throughout the pregnancy and return-to-play process.
The case manager would oversee medical reviews, coordinate support services and ensure that decisions prioritise the health and welfare of both mother and child.
The ICC has also proposed a schedule of regular management meetings at important stages, including when a player first announces her pregnancy, during the third trimester, six to eight weeks after childbirth, and subsequently at four-week intervals once reintegration into training begins.
To provide holistic support, the framework advocates a multidisciplinary approach involving doctors, physiotherapists, strength and conditioning experts, psychologists, nutritionists, coaches and family support networks.
The governing body has also addressed issues of privacy and player autonomy. The guidelines clearly state that the decision to publicly announce a pregnancy rests entirely with the player and emphasise that cricket boards should not require mandatory pregnancy testing.
While encouraging athletes to remain physically active during pregnancy where medically appropriate, the ICC stresses that training and competition decisions must be personalised and taken in consultation with healthcare professionals.
Although the document generally recommends that players stop competing after the first trimester, it does not impose a mandatory cut-off point. Instead, decisions regarding continued participation are expected to be made jointly by the player, her medical team and the relevant cricket board.
The initiative has been welcomed by players who have experienced the challenges of returning to elite sport after childbirth.
West Indies leg-spinner Afy Fletcher, who returned to international cricket after giving birth to her son in 2021 and is currently representing her country at the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales, praised the ICC’s efforts.
“I think it’s really good that the ICC is giving cricket boards policies to look after women after pregnancy. It gives players the opportunity to start a family and still pursue their careers,” Fletcher said.
Reflecting on her own experience, she noted that emotional challenges were often as demanding as the physical recovery.
“Leaving my child and missing important moments was difficult. But every time I step onto the field, I am motivated by him. Recovery takes time, and every player’s experience is different. Having strong support around you and trusting the process is very important,” she said.
Beyond medical and performance considerations, the guidelines also highlight practical measures that can ease a player’s transition back into cricket. These include flexible training schedules, continued access to team facilities, childcare support, designated feeding and baby-care spaces at venues, and travel assistance where feasible.
An ICC spokesperson said the policy reflects the evolving landscape of women’s cricket and the need to retain talented athletes throughout different stages of life.
“The growth of women’s cricket must be matched by the environments we create around our players. Motherhood and elite cricket should not be seen as mutually exclusive. These guidelines are intended to help member boards support informed choices, safeguard player welfare and ensure more women can continue thriving in the sport after becoming mothers,” the spokesperson said.
