Mumbai: Actor Deepika Padukone has welcomed the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) newly introduced maternity return guidelines for women cricketers, describing the initiative as a “landmark moment for women in sport”.

The actress expressed her support through her Instagram Stories, where she shared a report on the ICC’s latest policy and praised the governing body’s efforts to create a more supportive environment for athletes returning to professional sport after childbirth.

ICC introduces support framework for athlete mothers

The ICC’s new maternity policy seeks to provide comprehensive assistance to women cricketers as they resume their careers following pregnancy.

The framework includes several measures aimed at easing the transition back into competitive cricket, including:

  • Medical and psychological support
  • Tailored recovery and rehabilitation plans
  • Flexible training schedules
  • Childcare assistance
  • Facilities for mothers and their babies during tours and training camps

The initiative is designed to ensure that female athletes are not forced to choose between motherhood and their sporting careers, a challenge that has increasingly become part of the global conversation on gender equity in sports.

Deepika calls it a significant step forward

Sharing her thoughts on the development, Deepika termed the policy a major milestone for women in professional sport.

Her endorsement reflects her long-standing advocacy for women’s empowerment, mental health awareness and creating inclusive support systems for individuals balancing personal and professional responsibilities.

Over the years, the actress has consistently used her public platform to champion issues related to well-being and equality, extending her influence beyond the world of cinema.

Continued focus on mental health and social causes

Deepika has been one of India’s most prominent voices on mental health awareness. Through the Live Love Laugh Foundation, she has worked extensively to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and improve access to support systems.

Recently, she was appointed as India’s first-ever Mental Health Ambassador by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, further strengthening her involvement in initiatives aimed at driving social change and promoting emotional well-being.

Her support for the ICC’s maternity framework aligns closely with her continued emphasis on inclusion, care and equal opportunities for women across professions.

Growing focus on maternity support in sport

The ICC’s decision comes amid increasing calls from athletes and sports bodies worldwide for policies that provide better protection and support for women during pregnancy and motherhood.

Several international sporting organisations have introduced similar initiatives in recent years, recognising the need to create environments where female athletes can continue competing at the highest level without compromising their personal choices.

The ICC’s policy is expected to benefit current and future generations of women cricketers by offering structured support and reducing the uncertainty surrounding career breaks due to pregnancy.

Deepika’s personal and professional journey

On the personal front, Deepika and her husband, actor Ranveer Singh, are expecting their second child. The couple welcomed their daughter, Dua, in 2024 and announced the second pregnancy earlier this year.

Professionally, the actress is preparing for a packed schedule with several high-profile projects. She is set to feature in filmmaker Atlee’s sci-fi entertainer Raaka, co-starring Allu Arjun. She will also appear in director Siddharth Anand’s action thriller King, alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Suhana Khan.

A broader message of inclusion

By publicly backing the ICC’s maternity return guidelines, Deepika has once again highlighted the importance of creating systems that allow women to thrive in both their personal and professional lives.

Her support adds to the growing momentum behind policies that recognise motherhood not as a barrier to success but as a phase that deserves understanding, flexibility and institutional support.