The International Cricket Council (ICC) has launched its Return to Play Post-Pregnancy Guidelines for female cricketers, providing players, Member Boards, coaches and medical professionals with a practical framework to support a return to cricket after pregnancy.
The initiative comes at a time when women’s cricket is becoming increasingly professional, with more players choosing to start families during their playing careers and then return to elite-level competition. The guidelines form part of the ICC’s wider commitment to player welfare and the continued growth of the women’s game.
Player health and wellbeing remain central to the ICC’s strategy for women’s cricket, one of the governing body’s six key strategic priorities. As part of this effort, the ICC has introduced several women’s health initiatives under the 100% Cricket movement, aimed at educating players and support staff while encouraging open discussions around important health topics in sporting environments.
The new guidelines are designed to help Member Boards develop their own pregnancy and return-to-play policies in accordance with local laws and regulations. They provide practical, physical and psychological support recommendations to assist athletes through different stages of their return.
At the heart of the framework is the “6 Rs” model: Ready, Review, Restore, Recondition, Return and Refine. The approach covers early recovery following childbirth, medical and wellbeing assessments, a gradual return to training, cricket-specific conditioning, the transition back into competitive cricket and ongoing monitoring after a player’s return.
The drafting process was led by ICC Medical Advisory Committee member and Australia team doctor Philippa Inge. The guidelines also address practical considerations such as flexible training schedules, access to facilities and support services, childcare guidance, feeding spaces at venues and travel assistance 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.
“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.”
Among those welcoming the move is Afy Fletcher, who returned to international cricket after giving birth to her son in 2021 and is currently competing at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2026.
“I think it’s really good that the ICC is giving cricket boards policies to look after women after pregnancy,” Fletcher said. “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 journey, she added: “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.”
An ICC spokesperson said the guidelines represent an important step in ensuring female cricketers receive support throughout every stage of their careers.
“The growth of women’s cricket must be matched by the environments we create around our players, and the ICC’s Return to Play Post-Pregnancy Guidelines are an important step in supporting female cricketers through every stage of their careers.
“Motherhood and elite cricket should not be seen as mutually exclusive. By providing clear, practical and player-centred guidance, we want to help Member Boards support informed choices, protect player welfare and retain more outstanding talent in the game.”
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