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

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has launched comprehensive Return-to-Play Post-Pregnancy Guidelines for female cricketers, providing member boards with a framework to support players returning to elite competition after childbirth.

The initiative is part of the ICC's wider efforts to strengthen player welfare and promote the continued growth of women's cricket. The governing body said the guidelines have been developed to assist players, coaches, medical professionals and cricket boards in managing the physical, psychological and practical challenges associated with pregnancy and a return to professional sport.

At the centre of the framework is a structured "6 Rs" approach comprising Ready, Review, Restore, Recondition, Return and Refine. The model outlines a gradual pathway from post-birth recovery to full reintegration into competitive cricket, while emphasising regular medical assessments, physical conditioning and mental wellbeing support.

The guidelines also encourage member boards to develop their own pregnancy and return-to-play policies in line with local laws and regulations. Recommendations include access to medical experts, women's health physiotherapists, childcare support, flexible training arrangements and suitable facilities for breastfeeding and infant care at training and competition venues.

ICC focuses on long-term player welfare

The drafting of the Guidelines was led by ICC Medical Advisory Committee member, and Australia Team Doctor, Dr. Philippa Inge, who helped outline practical support considerations, including flexible training environments, continued access to facilities and services, childcare advice, suitable spaces for feeding or caring for babies at playing venues, and travel support, where possible.

Dr. Inge said: “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, and what we're aiming to do with this policy is allow Member nations to facilitate the return to cricket for their players.

The West Indies’ Afy Fletcher, who is competing at the ICC World Cup 2026 after giving birth to her son in 2021, believes these Guidelines will lead to more players being in a position to return to cricket after pregnancy. “I think it's really good that the ICC is giving cricket boards policies to look after women after pregnancy,” said Fletcher. “It gives you a chance to have your family and then return, so I think that’s one of the best things they could have done for women’s cricket,” she said.

ICC Chairman, Mr Jay Shah, said: "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."