In a bold move to further normalize discussions around menstruation and female wellness in cricket, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken a significant step forward in its ongoing commitment to women’s health. Marking Menstrual Hygiene Day, the ICC unveiled a suite of educational and awareness activities designed to break down taboos, foster open dialogue, and drive real change in how menstrual health is perceived and managed within the cricketing ecosystem.
With women’s cricket firmly established as one of the ICC’s six core strategic priorities, the global governing body has launched an array of initiatives aimed at elevating the conversation around women’s health. These efforts are rooted in the understanding that addressing menstruation openly and constructively is not just about health—it’s about performance, equity, and respect for the unique needs of women in the sport.
Central to this year’s awareness campaign is a global webinar featuring a distinguished panel comprising India batter Jemimah Rodrigues, England Women’s U19 Performance Lead Chris Guest, and renowned women’s health researcher and advocate Dr. Sarah Zipp. The event, attracting over 350 attendees including players, support staff, and cricket administrators from across the globe, focuses on dismantling the cultural and professional barriers that often prevent open conversations about periods in cricketing environments.
In an unprecedented effort to better understand the menstrual health experiences of elite female cricketers, the ICC conducted a detailed survey during the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. This first-of-its-kind study collected responses from 133 players and 65 support staff members across 10 national teams, producing vital insights into the challenges faced by women athletes.
Among the standout findings, a major communication disconnect was revealed 69% of support staff believed players were comfortable discussing menstrual health, yet only 43% of players confirmed feeling that way. Further data showed that one-third of players felt that menstruation negatively affected their on-field performance. Half of the surveyed players admitted to having missed training sessions due to period-related symptoms, but only 35% reported being given the option to skip training when feeling unwell.
The survey also illuminated significant knowledge gaps. Although 50% of players had previously received some form of menstrual education—mainly through school—many lacked the depth of understanding necessary for managing their health in high-performance environments. In response, the ICC is actively expanding its education initiatives at ICC Events and has released a powerful new menstrual health awareness video to support the cause.
India batter Jemimah Rodrigues expressed her enthusiasm ahead of the webinar, underlining the importance of dialogue and institutional support in addressing menstrual health in sport. Introducing her words, it’s clear that Rodrigues sees open discussion as not just beneficial, but necessary for progress.
“I’m looking forward to the webinar. I believe that the topics of discussion are important for players, support staff and our Boards to be a part of. The numbers from the survey speak for themselves, we need to be more vocal about this important area of female players’ wellness. Gone are the days when discussions around women’s health issues was something to be nervous or ashamed of. I commend the ICC for putting so much work and intentionality into normalizing the conversations and for making it a global discussion.”
The ICC’s efforts don’t end with Menstrual Hygiene Day. A recording of the webinar will be made available through the ICC Online Media Zone and the 100% Cricket website, where visitors can also access other ongoing and past initiatives related to women’s health. These platforms serve as vital resources for federations, coaches, athletes, and administrators seeking to better understand and support female players.
As women’s cricket continues to surge in prominence, the ICC’s focused approach on menstrual health sends a clear message: creating an inclusive, informed, and supportive sporting environment is non-negotiable. Through open dialogue, research, and education, the organization is not only championing the physical well-being of women cricketers but is also leading the way in fostering a global culture that values and supports every aspect of female athlete welfare.
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