ICC's post-pregnancy guidelines for women cricketers: What they say

A few days ago, the Indian Council of Cricket launched its 'Return to Play Post-Pregnancy Guidelines' for female cricketers. A historic move, which is the first of its kind in the world, is an initiative to ensure that the players and other stakeholders have a proper framework to return to professional cricket. Recently, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar also said the guidelines would be a massive boost for the future of women's cricket. 

What the guidelines ensure
The new guidelines ensure coverage of their early recovery after birth, structured training, and conditioning during a 16-week window before their comeback. They outline the six 'R's framework: Ready, Review, Restore, Recondition, Return and Refine. The document also addresses the need for a dedicated 'Case Manager' for players returning to competitive cricket post-pregnancy. The Case Officer should be either a doctor or a physiotherapist.

The early review would focus on psychological support for players' adjustment to life as mothers, followed by a graded reintroduction of strength-based training. After eight weeks of these assessments, the player will return to running in collaboration with a doctor and physio. Thorough monitoring of any symptoms, including musculoskeletal and pelvic floor issues, is conducted before the player is given the go-ahead to return to action. The ICC said its guidelines are designed to align with local legislation while supporting player welfare through "practical, physical and psychological guidance." 

Are they mandatory; shortcomings
The post-pregnancy guidelines are recommendatory in nature, and it's not a binding policy. However, women's cricket fans feel it's a good start.  Many sports fans online also opine that, though the guidelines address the practical and medical return of a player, they don't guarantee a base salary percentage while on leave, which is a practice in other sports globally, like football and basketball. The guidelines also do not protect any sponsorships. They aren't extended to franchise cricket as well. 
(With PTI inputs)