The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled its 'return-to-play post-pregnancy guidelines' for female cricketers, offering a structured framework to help players return to cricket after childbirth. The guidelines outline the 6 R's approach: Ready, Review, Restore, Recondition, Return, and Refine, covering early recovery, medical reviews, gradual training, cricket-specific conditioning, return to play, and ongoing monitoring.
Guidelines Aim to Support Growing Number of Player-Mothers
With women's cricket becoming increasingly professional, more players are choosing to start families during their careers and return to elite sport after giving birth. The ICC guidelines are designed to aid this process and are part of the ICC's broader commitment to player health, wellbeing, and the growth of women's cricket. The health and welfare of female cricketers are central pillars in the ICC's approach, one of its six strategic priorities. Under the '100 per cent cricket' movement, the ICC has rolled out women's health initiatives to educate players and staff, normalising important conversations in sporting environments.
Framework for Member Boards and Players
The guidelines are intended to help member boards develop their own pregnancy and return-to-play policies in line with local legislation, while supporting player welfare through practical, physical, and psychological guidance. The drafting was led by ICC Medical Advisory Committee member and Australia Team Doctor, Dr Philippa Inge, who outlined practical support considerations including flexible training environments, continued access to facilities and services, childcare advice, suitable spaces for feeding or caring for babies at playing venues, 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 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.” She added: “We know that many members haven’t necessarily had these in the past, and the aim has been to make them adaptable for the unique environments in which our members need to use them. The guidelines serve as a template for members, and strong support for an athlete returning to cricket post-pregnancy needs to be individualised to the specific needs of them and their family.”
Player Perspectives: Afy Fletcher
West Indies cricketer Afy Fletcher, who is competing at the ICC World Cup 2026 after giving birth to her son in 2021, believes the guidelines will lead to more players returning to cricket after pregnancy. “I think it’s really good that the ICC is giving cricket boards policies to look after women after pregnancy,” said Fletcher. “It gives you a chance to have your family and then return, so I think that’s one of the best things they could have done for women’s cricket.” Reflecting on her own experience, she noted: “Physical recovery was challenging but, more than that, I struggled to leave my child and miss creating precious moments. That’s why every moment I play on the field is driven by him. Every player’s journey is different, but you have to have strong support, get healthy and trust the process.”
ICC Chairman Jay Shah's Vision
ICC Chairman Jay Shah emphasised the importance of opportunity and inclusion. “The continued growth of women’s cricket must be built on opportunity, inclusion and care for our players at every stage of their lives and careers. No player should have to choose between motherhood and representing her country at the highest level.” He added: “The ICC’s return to play post-pregnancy guidelines are an important step in creating a more supportive and informed environment across the game. By providing members with practical guidance, we want to ensure that female cricketers are supported through pregnancy and empowered to return to cricket with confidence.” Shah concluded: “As women’s cricket continues to grow globally, it is essential that we protect player welfare, retain talented athletes and strengthen pathways for current and future generations. These Guidelines reflect our commitment to building a game where women can thrive, both on and off the field.”
