Deepika Padukone Welcomes ICC’s New Maternity Policy, Calls It a Landmark Step
Actress welcomes cricket’s new maternity return framework, highlighting the importance of supporting women through motherhood and professional careers.
Mumbai, June 25: Actress Deepika Padukone has welcomed the International Cricket Council’s newly introduced post-pregnancy return policy, describing it as a significant step forward for women in sports. The initiative aims to provide structured support for female cricketers as they transition back to professional competition after childbirth.
Sharing her reaction to the development, Deepika praised the framework and referred to it as a landmark moment for women athletes. The policy has been designed to assist players, team management, medical experts and cricket boards in ensuring a safe and effective return to the sport following pregnancy.
The announcement has attracted widespread attention, particularly as discussions around work-life balance and workplace support for mothers continue across various industries. Deepika herself has been vocal about the need for healthier working conditions and reasonable schedules for women after becoming a mother.
The ICC’s guidelines focus on providing comprehensive recommendations for physical recovery, medical supervision, training plans and overall well being. The framework seeks to create a more supportive environment for players navigating motherhood while continuing their sporting careers.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah emphasized that female athletes should never feel compelled to choose between family responsibilities and representing their countries on the international stage. He stated that the growth of women’s cricket must be accompanied by policies that prioritize opportunity, inclusion and player welfare.
According to Shah, the newly introduced measures are intended to equip cricket boards with practical tools and guidance to support players throughout pregnancy and their eventual return to competitive cricket. The initiative is expected to help athletes regain confidence and continue their careers without unnecessary barriers.
The policy reflects a broader shift in global sports toward recognizing the unique challenges faced by women athletes and creating systems that address their needs. Several sporting organizations worldwide have introduced similar measures in recent years as part of efforts to promote gender equality and athlete welfare.
Deepika’s endorsement of the move comes at a time when conversations about maternity benefits, workplace flexibility and support for working mothers remain prominent. The actress has often advocated for professional environments that accommodate personal and family responsibilities without compromising career growth.
On the personal front, Deepika and actor Ranveer Singh recently announced that they are expecting their second child. The couple welcomed their daughter, Dua Padukone Singh, in September 2024 and have since shared glimpses of their parenting journey with fans.
Meanwhile, Deepika continues to balance motherhood and her film commitments. She is expected to appear alongside Shah Rukh Khan in the upcoming film King and is also reportedly associated with Raaka, featuring Allu Arjun.
With the introduction of the ICC maternity return guidelines, sports administrators and athletes alike view the initiative as an important step toward ensuring that motherhood and elite-level competition can successfully coexist.
