ICC launches post-pregnancy guidelines to help female cricketers return to play

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has launched comprehensive 'Return to Play Post-Pregnancy Guidelines' aimed at supporting female cricketers transitioning back to the sport after childbirth.

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The guidelines provide players, Member Boards, medical professionals and coaches with a practical framework to support the return to cricket after pregnancy.

These guidelines provide a practical framework for players, Member Boards, medical professionals, and coaches. They address the increasing trend of female athletes starting families during their playing careers and aiming to return to elite competition. The ICC stated that these guidelines are part of a broader commitment to player health, well-being, and the continued growth of women's cricket.

"These Guidelines have been formed to aid that process and are part of the ICC’s broader commitment to player health, wellbeing and the continued growth of the women’s game," the ICC said. This initiative aligns with one of the ICC's six strategic priorities, focusing on the health and welfare of female cricketers. The organization has previously rolled out various women's health initiatives under the "100% Cricket" movement.

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With women’s cricket becoming increasingly professional and career opportunities continuing to expand, more players are choosing to start families during their playing careers and return to elite cricket after giving birth.

The 'Return to Play Post-Pregnancy Guidelines' outline a '6 Rs' framework: Ready, Review, Restore, Recondition, Return, and Refine. This approach covers early recovery, medical and well-being checks, gradual return to training, cricket-specific conditioning, and ongoing monitoring. Practical support considerations include flexible training, continued access to facilities, childcare advice, suitable spaces for feeding or caring for babies at venues, and travel assistance.

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These Guidelines have been formed to aid that process and are part of the ICC’s broader commitment to player health, wellbeing and the continued growth of the women’s game.

Dr. Philippa Inge, an ICC Medical Advisory Committee member who helped shape the guidelines, emphasized their purpose: "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." The guidelines are intended to be adaptable for member nations, providing strong support for athletes returning to cricket post-pregnancy.

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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.