NEW DELHI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced new guidelines for return to play after pregnancy to help women cricketers safely resume their careers after giving birth. The move comes as more female players choose to juggle professional cricket with motherhood, and the ICC aims to strengthen support systems and player welfare. president of the ICC Jay Shah he emphasized the importance of ensuring that women do not have to choose between family and sport.“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 their country at the highest level,” he said in a statement. “The ICC’s guidelines for returning to the game after pregnancy are an important step in creating a more supportive and informed environment across the game.“The guidelines provide a framework for board members to create policies tailored to local conditions. At the heart of the plan is the “6 Rs” model, Ready, Review, Restore, Recondition, Return and Refine, which covers postpartum recovery, medical check-ups, training, match preparation and follow-up after returning to competition.Recommendations also include flexible training schedules, childcare support, feeding facilities at event venues and travel assistance where possible. The project was led by Australian team doctor Dr Philippa Inge, who said the framework was meant to reassure players that motherhood did not have to end their cricket careers.West Indies pacer Afy Fletcher, who returned to international cricket after becoming a mother, praised the initiative and called it one of the biggest steps taken for women’s cricket. She said the physical recovery was challenging, but being away from her child was emotionally more difficult, adding that every player’s return to sports is different.Jay Shah added, “These guidelines reflect our commitment to building a game where women can thrive, both on and off the court.”
