4 min readNew DelhiJun 23, 2026 09:20 PM IST As she prepares to welcome her second child with husband Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone has welcomed the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) newly announced maternity support policy for women cricketers. The actor took to Instagram Stories on Tuesday to praise the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) newly introduced maternity return guidelines for women cricketers. Sharing a report on the development, Deepika described the move as a “landmark moment for women in sport.” The ICC’s new guidelines introduce a structured post-pregnancy return-to-play programme for female cricketers. Under the policy, players who have recently given birth will be provided with medical and psychological support, customised recovery plans, flexible training schedules, childcare assistance and other facilities for new mothers and their babies. The goal of the initiative is to ensure that female athletes are not forced to choose between starting a family and continuing their professional careers. Deepika Padukone’s endorsement of the ICC’s policy is consistent with causes she has championed in recent years. The actor has frequently spoken about mental …