PCB announces new parental support policy for contracted players

“The PCB has a duty of care towards its cricketers and at every turn, it has taken measures to support them," said PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan, underlining the importance of this policy.

"In this relation, it is appropriate that we have a player-friendly parental support policy so that our professional cricketers can feel fully supported during an important stage in their lives, without worrying about their careers."

The policy allows players to transfer to a non-playing role until the commencement of their maternity leave. They have also granted paid maternity leave up to 12 months and will be guaranteed a contract extension in the following year, in line with their existing arrangements. All these changes have been made so as to help the player pursue the game professionally despite being pregnant or having responsibilities as a new parent.

The policy also stated that the cricketers will be reintegrated into cricketing activities and be provided with adequate medical and physical support in respect of their post-childbirth rehabilitation. There is also an allowance for the travel of a support person to assist in caring for infant child during tours.

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“To have this policy for our women cricketers was even more significant," said Khan. "Women play a pivotal role in the development of society and our women cricketers have brought us laurels and recognition on the world stage."

“Now that we have a maternity leave policy, I am hopeful that it will attract more women and girls to take up the sport as this will help them strike the crucial work-life balance.”

Recently Pakistan skipper Bismah Maroof announced her pregnancy and took indefinite break from the sport. She will be the first beneficiary of this policy.

In 2019, New Zealand captain Amy Satterthwaite announced she was pregnant. Under NZC's policies, she retained her central contract and made her international comeback in the Rose Bowl Trophy against Australia in October 2020.