PCB’s policy: The PCB has launched a new policy where both men and women cricketers can be granted paid leave upon the birth of their child. Women cricketers can get a leave of 12 months, while male cricketers can be granted paid leave of upto 30 days. This policy is effective immediately, and will start with cricketer Bismah Maroof, who announced an indefinite break from cricket to prepare for motherhood.
Pakistan's women cricketers will be entitled to 12 months paid maternity leave, while male cricketers will be able to take 30 days leave when becoming parents.
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) May 4, 2021
The Statement: The PCB said that they have a duty of care towards all their players and will take every step necessary. Wasim Khan, the CEO of PCB said ‘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.’
PCB has announced its parental leave policy to support professional cricketers' through pregnancy, their return to play and parental responsibilities.
Read details here ➡️ https://t.co/6Z7wXFHOmS pic.twitter.com/HB6SwtvgXQ— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) May 4, 2021
PCB’s central contracts did not have any structured policies on parental leaves, but Bismah’s announcement has driven them to shape this policy and create clauses.
Reactions: The policy has been praised by players, staff and many others in the cricketing community. It was called an excellent and welcome move.
Pakistan have introduced 12 months paid maternity leave for women’s cricketers and a guaranteed contract for the following year. Well done PCB! This is an excellent decision.
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) May 4, 2021
Special assistant to the PM Shahbaz Gill said it was time to provide equal opportunities to our girls.
Way to go PCB . Lets support our girls by providing equal opportunity and enabling environment pic.twitter.com f3RDMhP0f
— Dr. Shahbaz GiLL (@SHABAZGIL) May 4, 2021
The move was called a win ‘on and off the field’.
Pakistan Cricket securing wins on and off the field!
The PCB today introduced 12 months of paid maternity leave for women cricketers, followed by a guaranteed contract for the next year.
Great news.
— Change of Pace (@ChangeofPace414) May 4, 2021
Another user called it a brilliant decision.
"12 months paid maternity leave for women cricketers"
Brilliant Decision by PCB
— Saeed Cricky ⚪ (@SaeedCricky) May 4, 2021