Follow UsIndia opener Pratika Rawal has finally been awarded her winner’s medal from the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup. Rawal, who was part of India’s squad that won the title, missed out on getting a medal at the presentation ceremony.
Rawal had originally been named in India’s tournament squad, but suffered an ankle injury during the final group-stage match against Bangladesh and, as a result, was replaced in the official 15-player squad before the semi-final. As per the rules of the International Cricket Council (ICC), only players in the final declared squad are awarded winner’s medals. Rawal did not receive hers at the time of the trophy ceremony.
However, according to her father, Pradeep Rawal, ICC Chairman Jay Shah personally intervened. “Jay Shah personally texted us and said that he had spoken to the ICC, and that we would receive the medal. Pratika received the medal before meeting Prime Minister Modi. Jay Shah took the initiative himself and personally informed Pratika,” he told India Today.
The medal was spotted around her neck when Rawal appeared in the team photograph with PM Narendra Modi and President Draupadi Murmu, with other players.
Rawal’s contribution throughout the tournament was substantial. She scored 308 runs in six innings at an average of 51.33 and a strike rate of 77.77. Her standout innings included a maiden World Cup century in a dominant opening partnership of 212 with senior opener Smriti Mandhana against New Zealand, which steered India's campaign back on track.
In the final, although Rawal was not on the field, her earlier performances and presence in the squad were acknowledged by the team as she was part of all the on-field celebrations after the win and later the felicitations in New Delhi as well.