ICC launches guidelines for female cricketers to return to action post-pregnancy

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has launched its 'Return to Play Post-Pregnancy Guidelines' for female players, putting out a framework for member boards to support players during their pregnancy process and help them make a healthy comeback to international cricket.

These guidelines have been developed by the ICC Medical Advisory Committee, led by Dr Philippa Inge, the doctor of Australia's women's side. The six-stage model consists of stages under the headings of Ready, Review, Restore, Recondition, Return and Refine.

According to the recommended guidelines, the ICC suggests that each board appoint a dedicated case manager for each player, who will be the point of contact during the entire pregnancy period, whilst also coordinating support services for the better well-being of the mother and the child. Other guidelines include providing the player with flexible training environments, travel and childcare support after the pregnancy and other necessary medical and well-being support for the pair.

The guidelines also give full authority to the players to announce their pregnancy rather than the boards conducting any pregnancy examinations. It also recommends timely meetings between the player and the management at key stages during the process, including at the pregnancy announcement, third trimester, six to eight weeks after the birth of the child, and one meeting every four weeks as the player begins her journey to return to the sport.

It is worth mentioning that the ICC recommends that the players stop competing after the first trimester, but it is not a necessity. The organisation leaves the final decision on the players and management.

"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," Dr. Philippa Inge said, via Cricbuzz.

These steps were vitally necessary due to the growing professionalism in the women's game, giving players the liberty to think about starting a family without having to worry about the consequences it may or may not have on their international careers.

There have been a few instances where a female cricketer has given birth to a child and had a comeback to international cricket. Former Pakistan all-rounder famously gave birth to a baby girl and returned to competitive action in 2022. West Indies bowler Afy Fletcher also gave birth in 2021 and is currently part of her country's squad at the ongoing Women's T20 World Cup.

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In recent times, there have been instances where players in same-sex marriages have seen their partners give birth so that it does not hamper their careers. England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt's wife and former fast bowler Katherine Sciver-Brunt welcomed a baby boy in 2025. Most recently, Danni Wyatt-Hodge's wife, Georgie, gave birth weeks before the start of the 20-over tournament.