The story so far: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on June 22, 2026 announced a framework to assist women players who are returning to the sport after pregnancy and child birth. The Return to Play Post-Pregnancy Guidelines can be used by the Boards of member countries of the ICC to design their own policies in line with local laws for the welfare of the cricketers.What does the policy say?The guidelines, drafted by a team led by Dr. Philippa Inge, ICC Medical Advisory Committee member, and Australia Team Doctor, focuses on “practical, physical and psychological considerations” to support return to play. It calls for the appointment of a case manager (usually a doctor or a physiotherapist) who will serve as the primary point of contact.Centering the welfare of the mother and child, it urges flexible and focussed communication. While recommending exercise during pregnancy, it also highlights the lack of evidence on designing programmes for elite athletes. The board recommends that players stop competing at the end of their first trimester.For return to play, the guidelines outline the 6 Rs framework: Ready (0-6 weeks), Review (6-8 weeks), Restore (8-16 weeks), Recondition (12-16+ weeks), Return and Refine which includes addressing social barriers such as child care, and mental well-being of the player.Practical assistance such as access to child care, facilities such as space to change/ rest the baby, space for breast feeding, travel considerations and access to alternative employment opportunities also find a place in the guidelines.Which countries have maternity policies?Among the cricket playing countries, Australia has a comprehensive policy which includes paid leave, benefits and support till the child is four-years-old and contract extension guarantees. Other countries such as New Zealand, South Africa, England, Pakistan and the West Indies too are covered by maternity policies offering varying levels of support.While India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh do not have dedicated norms, women in Taliban-led Afghanistan are not allowed to take up the sport.Players like Bismah Maroof (Pakistan), Afy Fletcher (West Indies), Amy Satterthwaite (New Zealand), Megan Schutt (Australia) and Masabata Klaas (South Africa) are some of the mothers who competed at the global stage. The 2022 Women’s ODI World Cup saw the participation of eight mothers, including a few who even captained their side.In India, while there are no mothers in the national side, Sneha Deepthi played at the domestic level and the Women’s Premier League (WPL) after giving birth to her daughter.