Lahore: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday announced its Parental Support Policy according to which men cricketers, who are expectant or new fathers will be able to get 30 days of fully paid leave.

Under the newly introduced policy, women and men players have been granted various rights and male cricketers can acquire the fully paid monthly leave within 56 days of the birth of their child as part of the paternity rights covered under the policy.

On the other hand, female players will be able to get up to 12 months of paid leave.

The basic aim of the policy is to motivate female professional cricketers in their journey to parenthood throughout pregnancy and even after childbirth when they return to play.

Under the parental policy, female cricketers will be granted a contract extension and can switch to a non-playing position until commencement of their maternity leave.

Meanwhile, if a woman player is required to travel for cricketing activities, the PCB will assist the player by allowing her to travel with a support person to assist in caring for her toddler, with the journey and lodging prices to be shared equally.