Pregnant Deepika Padukone cheers for ICC's new maternity policy

Actor Deepika Padukone has welcomed the International Cricket Council's (ICC) newly introduced post-pregnancy return-to-play guidelines for women cricketers, calling them "a landmark moment for women in sport."

Sharing a screenshot of the announcement on her Instagram Stories, Deepika wrote, "A landmark moment for women in sport @icc (sic)."

The ICC recently unveiled what it describes as the world's first comprehensive Return to Play Post-Pregnancy Guidelines for female cricketers. The framework has been designed to help players transition back to the sport after childbirth, while also guiding member boards, medical teams, coaches and support staff



in managing the process.

According to the ICC, the policy includes recommendations on medical and psychological care, individual recovery plans, phased return-to-training schedules, childcare support, and facilities for mothers travelling with infants. The aim is to ensure that motherhood does not become a barrier to pursuing an international sporting career.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah said in a statement, "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."