The ICC maternity framework has been introduced by the International Cricket Council in a major step aimed at supporting women cricketers returning to the game after pregnancy and childbirth.
The guidelines were announced during the ongoing Women’s T20 World Cup in England and are designed to provide practical support for players, cricket boards, coaches and medical staff. The aim is to make it easier for mothers to return to elite-level cricket without ending their professional careers.
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ICC Medical Advisory Committee member and Australia team doctor Philippa Inge said the initiative promotes the idea that childbirth should not mark the end of a woman cricketer’s career.
The framework includes recommendations on physical rehabilitation, mental health support, phased training programmes, sport-specific fitness planning and continuous medical monitoring. It also highlights childcare support, breastfeeding-friendly facilities at venues, flexible training environments and travel assistance for players.
The move reflects a growing recognition of motherhood in professional sport, where several players have already returned successfully to international cricket. West Indies all-rounder Afy Fletcher and former Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof are among those who resumed their careers after childbirth, underscoring the relevance of the new guidelines.
