The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released new guidelines for women cricketers returning to elite-level cricket after maternity leave.
According to the ICC, the rapid growth of women’s cricket and increasing professional opportunities mean more players are choosing to start families during their careers while also aiming to return to competitive cricket after childbirth. The new guidelines have been developed to make that process safer and more structured.
The ICC said that the health and well-being of female players remain a top priority, and this initiative forms an important part of its ongoing efforts to support the development of women’s cricket. The guidelines provide member boards with a framework for creating policies in line with local laws, while also helping players prepare physically and mentally for a return to the sport.
A six-stage framework has been introduced, covering preparation, medical assessment, rehabilitation, physical reconditioning, return to play, and ongoing monitoring. The system is designed to guide players from the early stages of postnatal recovery through to a full return to competitive cricket.
Dr. Philippa Inge, a member of the ICC Medical Advisory Committee and doctor for the Australian women’s team, played a key role in developing the guidelines. She said the policy sends a clear message that becoming a mother does not mark the end of a woman cricketer’s career.
West Indies cricketer Afy Fletcher, who returned to international cricket after maternity leave in 2021, welcomed the initiative as a positive step for women’s cricket. She said the new policies would give players greater confidence to balance family life and professional careers, while strong family and professional support can make a successful return possible.
An ICC spokesperson said that with women’s cricket growing rapidly around the world, it is essential to create an environment that supports players at every stage of their lives.
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