100% Cricket Women's Health

Women’s Health

Women's cricket is one of the six strategic priorities identified by the ICC. With the health and welfare of female cricketers central to this priority, the ICC has rolled out various initiatives around women’s health under the 100% Cricket movement to educate players and staff, build awareness, and normalise conversations in sporting environments.

Health Education

As a part of the 100% Cricket initiative, the ICC conducted Women’s Health Education sessions for the first time at the Women’s U19 T20 World Cup and the Women’s T20 World Cup, both held in South Africa in January and February 2023.

Health Education for the first ever Women’s U19 T20 World Cup focussed primarily on the topic of menstrual health, educating the players about what is normal for their age group, and when they should seek help. Health Education was delivered at an ICC event for the first time and was repeated at the Women’s T20 World Cup 2023. The sessions were attended by all players and support staff, helping to normalise conversation around the topic.

At the Women’s T20 World Cup, Women’s Health Education sessions focused on menstrual, breast and pelvic floor health. The sessions were aimed at educating the players about how women’s health affects performance, what is normal, and when they should seek help. 

Sessions were well received by the playing and coaching communities.

Looking to build on the momentum, the ICC will expand Women’s health education beyond global events. Health Education will also be delivered at ICC Women’s T20 World Cup pathway events across the five regions participating in qualification. The first such session will be delivered at the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier Europe Division 2 being held in Jersey in May-June 2023.

Resources

The ICC is developing easy-to-use resources on women’s health for female cricketers and support staff. The purpose of these resources is to attempt to build awareness on the unique needs, concerns and challenges of female cricketers. The resources are designed to promote and support the health, safety and optimal performance of women in cricket. Medical staff at member boards, domestic teams and even local clubs can use these resources in a variety of ways to increase awareness on women's health in the cricket community.

Menstruation and the Menstrual Cycle – Information sheet

The ICC menstrual health information sheet is targeted at female cricketers but includes valuable information for all concerned on the menstrual cycle, menstrual products, tracking cycles, menstrual hygiene and so much more.
Members are encouraged to use this information sheet to build awareness and destigmatize conversations around menstruation. This sheet can also be used at women’s health education sessions as a starting point or as a handout.

Menstrual Health Introductory Video

The ICC has created an introductory video on menstrual health, which delivers basic information on menstrual health, targeted at female cricketers and support staff.
Members are encouraged to use this video as a conversation starter. It can be played at the start of a women's health education session.

Webinars

In August 2023, the ICC organised a webinar on ‘Menstruation and Athletic Performance’. The aim of this webinar is to explore the impact of menstruation on female athletes. The intention is to empower those working in women’s cricket with a better understanding on menstruation, to best support their female athletes in optimizing performance and overall well-being. The webinar was delivered by Candice MacMillan, lecturer, and researcher in Biomechanics at the University of Pretoria.

Member Collaboration

The ICC has been working closely with member countries on women's health, and the 100% Cricket initiative intends to highlight work being done across cricket's membership in this space.