Motherhood and cricket can co-exist, says ICC in landmark move

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken a major step towards redefining the career paths of female cricketers by issuing its guidelines for returning to the game after pregnancy. The initiative provides a structured framework for players, membership boards, medical teams and coaches to support athletes returning to elite cricket after pregnancy.

At its core, the guidelines are built around a simple but powerful message: motherhood and cricket are not mutually exclusive. As women’s cricket becomes more professional and players extend their careers, the ICC has recognized the need for a consistent, science-based approach that balances performance and player well-being.

The guidelines also empower member boards to create their own pregnancy and return-to-play policies, consistent with local laws and labor regulations. Importantly, they emphasize that the decision about pregnancy remains solely with the player, with no mandate for pregnancy tests from cricket boards.

FRAME 6 RS

A central feature of the guidelines is the 6 Rs framework: Ready, Review, Restore, Recondition, Return and Refine, which maps out a gradual and structured path back to cricket.

The process starts with Ready and focuses on early recovery in the first 0-6 weeks after birth, including gentle movement, pelvic floor activation and psychological support. This is followed by a Review at 6-8 weeks where medical and performance specialists assess recovery through obstetrical, physiotherapy, psychological and nutritional assessment.

From there, players move into Recovery (8-16 weeks), which introduces structured conditioning such as gradual return to running programs and strength training. The reconditioning phase (12-16+ weeks) focuses on restoring sport-specific loads and reducing the risk of injury after time away from training.

Finally, Return and Refine mark the transition back to competitive cricket and ongoing viewing. The ICC also emphasizes the importance of long-term support systems, including workload management, pelvic health monitoring and energy availability, particularly for nursing athletes.

The framework draws on sports medicine research and postpartum rehabilitation models to ensure return-to-play decisions are safe, individualized and evidence-based.

SUPPORT FOR MOTHERS ABROAD

In addition to physical rehabilitation, ICC guidelines place great emphasis on practical and emotional support systems. These include a flexible training environment, access to childcare, breastfeeding facilities and the ability for carers to travel with players on tour.

The document also calls on member boards to consider alternative roles in cricket organizations for players temporarily unable to compete, such as coaching or analysis roles, along with contract extensions during pregnancy and recovery periods.

A key objective is to ensure that players are not isolated at this stage of life. During pregnancy and postpartum recovery, regular case-led meetings are recommended to ensure coordinated input from medical, coaching and health staff.

As more women pursue long-term cricket careers while starting families, the ICC framework signals a shift in the culture of elite sport that recognizes both ambition and motherhood. In doing so, she is setting a precedent for a more inclusive, supportive and sustainable future for women’s cricket worldwide.

WHO ARE THE MOTHERS IN CRICKET?

Several female cricketers have shown that motherhood and top sport can co-exist, returning to international and domestic cricket after giving birth. Bismah Maroof from Pakistan returned in 2022 after maternity leave and even captained the Women’s World Cup.

Amy Satterthwaite from New Zealand returned in 2020 after giving birth and talked about how to inspire other mothers. Australia’s Sarah Elliott continued to play at the highest level after becoming a mother and famously scored an Ashes century. Enid Bakewell of England was an early example, making her international debut after motherhood.

West Indies’ Afy Fletcher has returned from maternity leave and has become known for her wicket celebrations dedicated to her son. India’s Sneha Deepthi has returned to domestic cricket after giving birth and has set her sights on a strong international comeback.

Kuwait’s Maryam Omar also made a swift return to international cricket after becoming a mother. Their journeys continue to greatly inspire female athletes around the world.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

22 Jun 2026 16:00 IST