Deepika Padukone Lauds ICC’s New Maternity Return Guidelines, Calls It A ‘Landmark Moment’

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 applauded the move, which aims to help women athletes return to professional cricket after childbirth.

The ICC’s new policy introduces a structured post-pregnancy return-to-play framework, including medical and psychological support, dedicated recovery plans, flexible training schedules, childcare support and facilities for mothers and babies. The initiative is designed to ensure that players do not have to choose between motherhood and their sporting careers.

A pioneering voice for

mental health awareness who was recently appointed by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare as India’s first-ever Mental Health Ambassador, Deepika has consistently championed conversations that drive meaningful change. Last year, the actress also made headlines after she was ousted from Kalki 2. Back then, several reports claimed that Kalki 2 makers decided to drop Deepika since she was demanding a 8-hour work shift. Reportedly, the makers tried to negotiate these two demands of the actress with her, but she remained rigid, especially because she had attained motherhood.

Later, Deepika Padukone spoke exclusively to CNBC-TV18 when she addressed the debate surrounding working conditions and pay parity in Bollywood. “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. 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,” she said.