DUBAI: To ensure a safe and sustainable return to cricket for women players after pregnancy, the ICC on Monday announced guidelines to cover their early postpartum recovery, structured training and conditioning during a 16-week window before return.
The Women’s Cricket Return to Play Post-Pregnancy Guidelines outlines a six-R framework: Ready, Review, Restore, Repair, Return and Refine.
“The approach covers early post-natal recovery, medical and wellness reviews, gradual return to structured training, cricket-specific conditioning, return to play and ongoing monitoring once a player returns to the cricket environment,” the ICC said in a press release.
The document talks about having a dedicated ‘Case Manager’ for players returning to competitive cricket after pregnancy.
The case officer must be either a doctor or a physiotherapist.
The early overhaul would include a focus on psychological support as players adjust to life as a mother, followed by a phased reintroduction of strength-based training.
After eight weeks of these evaluations, the player will return to running in collaboration with a doctor and physio.
A thorough monitoring of any symptoms, including musculoskeletal and pelvic floor problems, is done before the player is given the opportunity to return to action.
“No player should have to choose between motherhood and representing her country at the highest level. The ICC’s guidelines for returning to the game after pregnancy are an important step in creating a more supportive and informed environment across the game,” said ICC Chairman Jay Shah.
“As women’s cricket continues to grow globally, it is essential that we protect player welfare, retain talented athletes and strengthen pathways for current and future generations. These guidelines reflect our commitment to building a game where women can thrive, both on and off the field,” he added.
