Cricket Australia reveals new parental leave policy to help players

Cricket Australia, in association with Australian Cricketers' Association, has announced new parental policies for all the cricketers playing under them. The policy provides players with financial support and job security while they nurture their families. The move has been very well received by multiple Australian cricketers, especially women, as players feel more valued and empathised with. Here are a few details.

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What does the policy comprise of?

Any player who is giving birth to or adopting a child can now avail a 12-month-long paid leave at this time. They will be guaranteed to receive a contract extension. If the players are in a medically conducive state to play cricket, they can return to the field at any time they desire. If a player is the primary carer of a child who is less than four-years-old, they will be given financial aids which will help them travel along with their kids and a caretaker whose accommodation and travel will be taken care of.

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Any player whose partner is in the process of childbirth can now accompany their partner and will be granted a three-week-long paid leave. There will also be safe breastfeeding spaces at every stadium. The finances for these endeavours will come from the Players' Payment Pool. The new policy applies to players of both genders and players who are in binary or same-sex relationships.

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"Proud to be part of this game"

Australian wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy, who is also Australian Pacer Mitchell Starc's wife, commented on the policy stating how it made her happy to be treated with such empathy from the cricket board. She mentioned how it made it easy for players to continue playing the game that they love and still not miss out on their personal responsibilities. Alyssa added how the policy can reduce the emotional toll that parenting can exert. “Were a woman cricketer to become pregnant, it typically signalled the end of their career,” Alistair Nicholson, chief executive of the Australian Cricketers’ Association, told the media.

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