NEW DELHI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced new Return to Play Post-Pregnancy Guidelines to help female cricketers safely resume their careers after childbirth. The move comes as more players are choosing to balance professional cricket with motherhood, with the ICC aiming to strengthen support systems and player welfare. ICC chairman Jay Shah stressed the importance of ensuring women do not have to choose between family and sport.“The continued growth of women’s cricket must be built on opportunity, inclusion and care for our players at every stage of their lives and careers. No player should have to choose between motherhood and representing her country at the highest level,” he said in a statement. “The ICC’s Return to Play Post-Pregnancy Guidelines are an important step in creating a more supportive and informed environment across the game.“The guidelines provide member boards with a framework to create policies suited to local conditions. At the heart of the plan is the “6 Rs” model, Ready, Review, Restore, Recondition, Return and Refine, which covers recovery after childbirth, medical checks, training, match preparation and continued monitoring after returning to competition.The recommendations also include flexible training schedules, childcare support, feeding spaces at venues and travel assistance where possible. The project was led by Australia team doctor Dr. Philippa Inge, who said the framework is meant to reassure players that motherhood does not have to end their cricket careers.West Indies spinner Afy Fletcher, who returned to international cricket after becoming a mother, praised the initiative and called it one of the biggest steps taken for women’s cricket. She said physical recovery was challenging, but being away from her child was emotionally harder, adding that every player’s journey back to the sport is different.Jay Shah added, “These Guidelines reflect our commitment to building a game where women can thrive, both on and off the field.”