Deepika Padukone has welcomed the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) newly announced maternity return guidelines for women cricketers, calling it a “landmark moment for women in sport.”The actress shared a report about the initiative on her Instagram Stories and praised the move, which is aimed at helping women athletes return to professional cricket after childbirth.
ICC announces support for cricketers returning after motherhood
The ICC’s new policy includes a structured post-pregnancy return-to-play programme. It offers medical and psychological support, recovery plans, flexible training schedules, childcare support, and facilities for mothers and babies.The initiative aims to ensure that women athletes do not have to choose between motherhood and their sporting careers.
Deepika had spoken about workplace challenges after motherhood
Last year, Deepika was at the centre of conversations about working conditions in the film industry after reports claimed that she had sought an eight-hour work shift following motherhood.The reports surfaced amid speculation about her association with Kalki 2. While Deepika did not directly address the reports, she later spoke about workplace conditions and pay parity in Bollywood during an interview with CNBC-TV18.“I have done this at many levels; this is not new to me. I think, even as far as pay is concerned, I have had to deal with whatever comes with it. I don’t even know what to call it, but I am someone who has always fought my battles silently,” she said.She added, “And for some strange reason, sometimes they become public which is not the way I know and not the way I’ve been brought up. But yes, to fight my battles silently and in a dignified way is the way I know.”By supporting the ICC’s maternity return policy, Deepika has once again backed measures that make it easier for women to balance their careers and motherhood.
