Actress Deepika Padukone, currently expecting her second child with husband Ranveer Singh, has publicly praised the International Cricket Council (ICC)'s newly announced maternity return-to-play guidelines for women cricketers, calling it a 'landmark moment for women in sport'. The Bollywood star shared a report about the initiative on her Instagram Stories on Tuesday, amplifying the policy to her millions of followers.

What the ICC's New Policy Covers

The ICC's latest framework introduces a structured post-pregnancy return-to-play pathway for female cricketers. Under the new guidelines, players who have given birth will receive medical and psychological support, dedicated recovery plans, flexible training schedules, and childcare support for both the new mother and her baby. Crucially, the policy is designed to ensure that no female player is compelled to choose between motherhood and a career in professional cricket.

Why Deepika's Endorsement Matters

This is not the first time Deepika Padukone has used her platform to advocate for systemic change. The actress has previously spoken out on mental health awareness and championed an eight-hour work shift norm for a healthier work-life balance in the film industry. Her endorsement of the ICC policy draws a direct line between the challenges faced by women athletes and those in other high-pressure professions — a connection that resonates particularly given her own pregnancy.

Notably, Deepika's vocal support comes at a moment when women's sport globally is grappling with questions of institutional support for athletes who become mothers. The ICC's move is among the more comprehensive frameworks introduced by a major sporting body on this issue.

Deepika and Ranveer's Growing Family

In April 2025, Deepika and Ranveer Singh announced they are expecting their second child together. The couple shared the news through an endearing photograph of their daughter Dua holding a pregnancy test kit showing a positive result. The pair wed in an intimate ceremony at Lake Como, Italy, in November 2018, following several years together.

What's Next for Deepika on Screen

On the professional front, Deepika Padukone is set to star alongside Shah Rukh Khan in director Siddharth Anand's upcoming film 'King'. A behind-the-scenes video that reportedly leaked from the film's sets in Cape Town recently circulated on social media, appearing to show a visibly pregnant Deepika filming what seemed to be a romantic song sequence with Khan. The clip drew significant attention online, underlining the anticipation surrounding the project.

As the ICC's maternity guidelines take effect, Deepika's public backing is likely to keep the spotlight on the broader conversation around institutional support for women balancing professional ambitions with parenthood.