In a series of inspiring events, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced 'Return to Play Post Pregnancy Guidelines' for female players, identifying a proper structure for member boards to extend support to players through pregnancy, childbirth and their comeback into International cricket.
New guidelines by ICC for Women's cricket
As per the latest recommendations, the ICC has urged cricket boards to assign a dedicated support coordinator to every player, while also suggesting flexible training schedules, childcare and travel support and continued access to medical and mental assistance during pregnancy and after the child birth.
The guidelines are introduced at a very key phase in the progress of Women's cricket, with more players trying to find balance between professional and their personal lives.
ALSO READ: Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar in sync? BCCI reveals 2027 ODI World Cup planning
The suggested guidelines have been developed by ICC's Medical Advisory Committee which is being led by Australia women's team doctor Dr. Phillipa Inge. The recommendations have been crafted to help member boards to build their own return-to-play policies.
The policy consists of a six-step pathway - Ready, Review, Restore, Recondition, Return, and Refine. The organised framework offers a healthy transition from, post-delivery recovery to competitive action, while ensuring continued support and evaluation after a player's return to the field.
Dr. Inge said that ICC's new Return to Play Post-Pregnancy Guidelines are focused to reassure players that motherhood does not have to bring an end to their cricketing careers. The governing body hopes the framework will hep its member boards create pathways that make it easier for players to return to the sport after childbirth.
The ICC also acknowledged that various member nations may not have had formal post-pregnancy support systems in place previously. As an outcome, the guidelines have been designed to be flexible and adaptable to different cricketing environments. Meanwhile, the framework provided a common route, the ICC emphasized that support for returning players should be constructed as per their individual circumstances and needs of each player.