ICC issues post-pregnancy return-to-play policy for women

The International Cricket Council has launched its first Return to Play Post-Pregnancy Guidelines, creating a formal framework to support female cricketers who wish to start families and continue their professional careers. Announced on June 23, the guidelines are designed to help national cricket boards develop their own policies to assist players through pregnancy, childbirth, and a structured return to elite competition.

The initiative responds to the increasing professionalization of women's cricket, where more athletes are balancing motherhood with their playing careers. The guidelines provide a practical template for member boards, adaptable to local laws and regulations. A central feature is the recommendation that each player be assigned a dedicated case manager, such as a doctor or physiotherapist, to serve as a primary point of contact throughout the process.

The framework outlines a six-stage approach, known as the "6 Rs": Ready, Review, Restore, Recondition, Return, and Refine. This model covers the period from early recovery after childbirth through medical assessments, gradual reintroduction to training, sport-specific conditioning, and eventual return to...