ICC launches guidelines for post-pregnancy return-to-play for women cricketers
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 22, 2026, 3:16 PM
Last updated Jun 22, 2026
The ICC has introduced new Return to Play Post-Pregnancy Guidelines for women cricketers, announced on June 22, 2026. This initiative features a six-stage model to support players as they balance motherhood with their cricket careers. The guidelines aim to assist national boards in developing locally applicable policies that prioritize player welfare while offering practical advice for physical and mental recovery. West Indies spinner Afy Fletcher, who returned to the sport after childbirth, expressed support for the guidelines, highlighting their potential to help more women athletes manage both family and cricket commitments. The ICC's initiative underlines a commitment to improving support structures in women's cricket as the game continues to grow professionally.
- •Guidelines announced by ICC on June 22, 2026.
- •Features a six-stage model known as '6 Rs' for recovery.
- •Afy Fletcher supports the initiative, having returned to play after childbirth.
- •Designed to help national boards create tailored policies for players.
- •Promotes mental and physical well-being for female cricketers.
- 5:00 PMYahoo Sports — Jay Shah says motherhood should not end cricket careers as ICC introduces new guidelines
- 3:16 PMYahoo Sports — ICC unveils post-pregnancy return-to-play guidelines for women cricketers
"The ICC has launched comprehensive guidelines to help female cricketers return to the sport post-pregnancy, recognizing the growing trend of mothers in elite cricket. This initiative, featuring a six-stage "6 Rs" model, aims to support players, coaches, and medical teams by offering practical advice on physical and mental recovery, alongside flexible arrangements. The move is lauded as a significant step for women's cricket, ensuring motherhood doesn't end a career.
"The ICC has introduced new post-pregnancy return-to-play guidelines to help female cricketers continue their careers after childbirth. The framework includes a six-step recovery model and support measures such as flexible training and childcare assistance. ICC chairman Jay Shah said the initiative reflects the governing body's commitment to ensuring women can thrive both on and off the field.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 22, 2026, 5:00 PMJay Shah says motherhood should not end cricket careers as ICC introduces new guidelines
The ICC has introduced new post-pregnancy return-to-play guidelines to help female cricketers continue their careers after childbirth. The framework includes a six-step recovery model and support measures such as flexible training and childcare assistance. ICC chairman Jay Shah said the initiative reflects the governing body's commitment to ensuring women can thrive both on and off the field.
- Yahoo SportsJun 22, 2026, 3:16 PMICC unveils post-pregnancy return-to-play guidelines for women cricketers
The ICC has launched comprehensive guidelines to help female cricketers return to the sport post-pregnancy, recognizing the growing trend of mothers in elite cricket. This initiative, featuring a six-stage "6 Rs" model, aims to support players, coaches, and medical teams by offering practical advice on physical and mental recovery, alongside flexible arrangements. The move is lauded as a significant step for women's cricket, ensuring motherhood doesn't end a career.
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