The International Cricket Council has introduced new Return to Play Post-Pregnancy Guidelines for female cricketers, aiming to support players who want to resume their careers after giving birth while balancing health, family and elite sport.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has launched its Return to Play Post-Pregnancy Guidelines for female cricketers.
The framework has been designed for players, Member Boards, medical professionals and coaches to support a safe and structured return to cricket after pregnancy.
Supporting players after pregnancy
With women’s cricket becoming increasingly professional and career opportunities expanding, more players are choosing to start families during their playing careers and return to elite cricket after childbirth.
The ICC said the new guidelines have been developed to aid that process and are part of its broader commitment to player health, wellbeing and the continued growth of the women’s game.
Part of ICC’s women’s health focus
The ICC said the health and welfare of female cricketers are central pillars of its approach to women’s cricket, which is one of the organisation’s six strategic priorities.
As part of this approach, the ICC has introduced several women’s health initiatives under the 100% Cricket movement to educate players and staff, build awareness and normalize important conversations in sporting environments.
The Return to Play Post-Pregnancy Guidelines are designed to help ICC Members develop their own pregnancy and return-to-play policies in line with local laws.
They also provide practical physical, psychological and welfare guidance to ensure players receive the support they need during recovery and reintegration into cricket.
Six-step return-to-play model
To support a safe and sustainable return, the guidelines outline the 6 Rs framework: Ready, Review, Restore, Recondition, Return and Refine.
This approach covers early recovery after birth, medical and wellbeing reviews, gradual return to structured training, cricket-specific conditioning, return to play and ongoing monitoring once a player is back in the cricket environment.
Medical, childcare and training support
The guidelines were drafted under the leadership of ICC Medical Advisory Committee member and Australia Team Doctor Dr Philippa Inge.
She helped outline practical support measures including flexible training environments, continued access to facilities and services, childcare advice, suitable spaces at venues for feeding or caring for babies 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 does not need to mean the end of their cricket career. She said the aim is to allow Member nations to facilitate the return of their players to cricket.
Dr Inge added that many Members have not had such policies in the past, so the guidelines have been made adaptable for different environments.
She said the document serves as a template for Members and stressed that strong support for athletes returning to cricket after pregnancy must be individualised according to the needs of each player and her family.
Afy Fletcher welcomes ICC move
West Indies cricketer Afy Fletcher, who is competing at the ICC World Cup 2026 after giving birth to her son in 2021, welcomed the new guidelines.
“I think it's really good that the ICC is giving cricket boards policies to look after women after pregnancy,” Fletcher said.
She said the guidelines give players a chance to have a family and then return to cricket, calling it one of the best steps taken for women’s cricket.
Fletcher shares her own experience
Speaking about her own return to the game, Fletcher said physical recovery was challenging. However, she said the more difficult part was leaving her child and missing precious moments with him.
“That’s why every moment I play on the field is driven by him,” Fletcher said, adding that every player’s journey is different and requires strong support, good health and trust in the process.
Jay Shah says motherhood should not end careers
ICC Chairman Jay Shah said the continued growth of women’s cricket must be built on opportunity, inclusion and care for players at every stage of their lives and careers.
He said no player should have to choose between motherhood and representing her country at the highest level.
Shah said the new guidelines are an important step toward creating a more supportive and informed environment across cricket.
By giving Members practical guidance, he said the ICC wants to ensure female cricketers are supported through pregnancy and empowered to return to cricket with confidence.
He added that as women’s cricket grows globally, it is essential to protect player welfare, retain talented athletes and strengthen pathways for current and future generations.
Shah said the guidelines reflect the ICC’s commitment to building a game where women can thrive both on and off the field.
