In a major relief for women cricketers, the International Cricket Council has issued new ‘Return to Play Post-Pregnancy Guidelines’ to ensure a safe and orderly return to cricket after pregnancy.
Sports News: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken an important step towards making women’s cricket more inclusive and player-centric. The ICC has issued new “Return to Play Post-Pregnancy Guidelines” for women cricketers, which aim to ensure players’ return to cricket after motherhood in a safe, orderly and professional manner.
Under the new policy, women players will be provided a 16-week special support program to return to competitive cricket after pregnancy and childbirth. The initiative is designed to help female athletes balance their sporting careers and motherhood.
Return to cricket will happen in six phases
The ICC has prepared a “Six R Framework” to make the withdrawal process of players scientific and phased. This model involves six major steps—Ready, Review, Restore, Recondition, Return, and Refine. The player’s physical condition, mental health and medical needs will be continuously evaluated throughout this process. The ICC believes that every player’s recovery is different, so it is important to provide support based on individual needs.
Case manager will be appointed for every player
According to the new guidelines, a dedicated case manager will be appointed for each female cricketer. This role may be performed by a doctor or physiotherapist, who will monitor the player’s recovery and training programme. In the initial phase, special attention will be given to the player’s mental health, emotional balance and adjustment with motherhood. After this, physical activities and fitness training will be gradually increased.
After about eight weeks, the player will be involved in running, strength training and cricket-related activities under the supervision of medical experts. It will be ensured that the players can return to the field safely without any kind of physical discomfort.
Permission to play will be given only after medical clearance
The ICC has clarified that any player will have to undergo extensive medical tests before returning to competitive cricket. In particular, investigation of musculoskeletal (related to bones and muscles) and pelvic floor problems will be mandatory. Unless the player meets all medical standards, she will not be allowed to participate in competitive matches. The purpose of this arrangement is to safeguard the long-term health and performance of the players.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah welcomed this new policy, saying that no female player should have to choose between motherhood and representing her country. According to her, as women’s cricket is rapidly expanding globally, it is necessary to give top priority to the welfare, health and career security of the players. She said that this initiative is an important step towards providing a more supportive and sensitive environment for women’s cricket.
Players will get additional facilities
ICC Medical Advisory Committee member and Australian team doctor Dr. Philippa Ing said that the member countries have been recommended to provide many additional facilities for the players. These include flexible training programmes, childcare support, breastfeeding-friendly spaces, childcare facilities and travel support. These measures are aimed at ensuring that players can continue their professional careers after motherhood.
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