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

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced comprehensive Return to Play Post-Pregnancy Guidelines aimed at helping female cricketers safely resume their careers after childbirth. The framework is intended to support players, national boards, coaches and medical teams as more women balance elite cricket with motherhood.

As women’s cricket continues its rapid professional growth and offers longer-term career opportunities, an increasing number of players are opting to start families while remaining active in the sport. Recognising this shift, the ICC has developed the guidelines as part of its wider focus on player welfare and the advancement of the women’s game.

Player health and wellbeing remain key priorities within the ICC’s strategy for women’s cricket. The governing body has also expanded its women’s health initiatives through its 100% Cricket movement, which seeks to improve education, encourage awareness and promote open discussions around health-related topics in cricketing environments.

The newly launched guidelines are designed to assist Member Boards in creating their own pregnancy and return-to-play policies that align with local laws while prioritising player welfare. They provide practical recommendations covering both physical and mental aspects of recovery and reintegration into the sport.

Central to the framework is a six-stage model known as the “6 Rs” — Ready, Review, Restore, Recondition, Return and Refine. The process covers the period immediately after childbirth, medical assessments, wellbeing reviews, progressive training plans, cricket-specific preparation, a return to competition and ongoing monitoring once players re-enter the professional setup.

For more info:

The project was led by ICC Medical Advisory Committee member and Australia team doctor Dr. Philippa Inge. The guidelines also highlight practical support measures such as flexible training arrangements, continued access to facilities and services, childcare considerations, dedicated spaces for feeding or caring for infants at venues, and travel assistance where possible.

Dr. Inge said the initiative was designed to reassure players that motherhood does not have to signal the end of a cricket career. She explained that the framework gives Member Boards a flexible template that can be adapted to different environments while ensuring support is tailored to the individual needs of each athlete and her family.

West Indies spinner Afy Fletcher, who returned to international cricket after giving birth to her son in 2021 and is currently playing at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2026, welcomed the move. Fletcher said the guidelines would help more women pursue both family life and professional cricket, describing it as one of the most significant steps taken for the women’s game.

Reflecting on her own experience, Fletcher acknowledged that the physical recovery process was demanding, but said the emotional challenge of spending time away from her child was even harder. She added that strong support systems, good health and patience are essential, noting that every player’s journey back to cricket is unique.

An ICC spokesperson said the expansion of women’s cricket must be accompanied by stronger support structures for players. The spokesperson emphasised that motherhood and elite sport should not be viewed as incompatible, adding that the guidelines aim to help boards support informed decisions, safeguard player welfare and retain talented cricketers throughout their careers.