Cricket Australia introduces parental policy in revolutionary new move

Cricket Australia in a revolutionary new move has introduced a parental policy in support of their women’s cricketers. The policy was introduced as a joint measure by Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers’ Association and will support cricketers during pregnancy, adoption, return to play and parental responsibilities.

According to the new guidelines in play, the players who have given birth or adopted a child will get up to 12 months of paid parental leave. It will also support players who are the primary carers after returning to the field by covering costs associated with caring for their child, including accommodation and flights until the child is four years old.

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The cricketers who take maternity leave will get an automatic contract extension for the next year. They will also be afforded the provision of transitioning into a non-playing role while they are pregnant until they give birth. They will be allowed to return any time after giving birth subject to medical clearance.

Players whose partners have given birth will also be eligible for three weeks of paid leave, which can be taken anytime within the 12 months of the birth of child or adoption.

The move was lauded in all corners of Australian cricket. Australian wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy hailed the move as a game-changer and said she was proud of being a part of the game.

She said as quoted by cricket.com.au:

“As a player, I’m proud to be part of a game with such a comprehensive and fit-for-purpose parental leave policy. With the playing and travel demands on cricketers, I’m pleased this policy provides support to players, so if they choose to, can both care for their child and participate in the game. Seeing friends and family raise children, I know the physical and emotional toll parenting can have. The policy is a game-changer for players planning for the future while providing job security.”

The policy was in the works for a couple of years and has come into effect from July 1. It will cover Australian cricketers who have national, state or Big Bash contracts.