Women’s cricket has taken another step towards strengthening player welfare after the International Cricket Council introduced new post-pregnancy return-to-play guidelines, with Sachin Tendulkar backing the initiative as an important milestone for the women’s game. Writing on X after the policy was unveiled, the batting great welcomed the framework, which is designed to help female cricketers continue their careers after childbirth through structured medical, physical and wellbeing support.
A wider step for women’s cricket
The ICC developed the guidelines as part of its broader efforts to improve player welfare as the women’s game continues to grow professionally. The framework is intended to help Member Boards create their own pregnancy and return-to-play policies in accordance with local legislation while offering practical guidance to support athletes through recovery and their return to elite cricket.
Reacting to the announcement, Sachin Tendulkar wrote on X, “Exceptional batting by the @ICC. Empowerment in sport is about ensuring that a player’s journey, in all phases, is supported with the right framework. Seeing the transition from ‘choosing between’ to ‘doing both’ is proof that we are playing the game the right way.”
Exceptional batting by the @ICC. Empowerment in sport is about ensuring that a player’s journey, in all phases, is supported with the right framework.
Seeing the transition from 'choosing between' to 'doing both' is proof that we are playing the game the right way.
A massive… https://t.co/8nTdZdcL51
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 23, 2026
Structured pathway for returning players
The new framework introduces a six-stage approach covering recovery after childbirth, medical and wellbeing assessments, progressive training, cricket-specific conditioning, a return to competition and continued monitoring after players are back in the game. It also recommends that each returning player is supported by a dedicated Case Manager, who should be either a doctor or a physiotherapist.
The guidance places emphasis on both physical recovery and psychological wellbeing before gradually increasing training loads. Players are expected to complete medical assessments before returning to running and must continue to be monitored for issues such as musculoskeletal and pelvic floor health before receiving clearance for competitive cricket.
He concluded, “A massive boost for the future of women cricketers worldwide.”
Focus on long-term player welfare
Explaining the purpose of the initiative, the International Cricket Council said in an official statement, “The Return to Play Post-Pregnancy Guidelines are designed to help Members develop their own pregnancy and return-to-play policies, in line with local legislation, while supporting player welfare through practical, physical and psychological guidance.”
By providing a common framework for its Members, the ICC aims to encourage more consistent support for female cricketers throughout pregnancy and their return to professional sport, reinforcing efforts to retain players and strengthen the long-term growth of women’s cricket worldwide.
