Pratika Rawal set to finally receive World Cup winners’ medal after ICC chairman Jay Shah’s big intervention

India’s star opener Pratika Rawal is all set to collect her medal after the team’s remarkable victory in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. India won its first Women’s World Cup title by beating South Africa in the final. Unfortunately, Pratika was sidelined in both the semi-finals and the final due to an ankle injury.

Pratika faced a harrowing injury which led to her withdrawal from the remainder of the tournament. He was replaced by Shafali Verma, who gave an excellent performance in the final match. Rawal explained that ICC President Jay Shah took personal initiative to ensure that he was awarded the medal. At the post-match ceremony, all 15 members of the winning team, including Rawal’s substitute Shafali Verma, received their medals.

Interestingly, the medal he wore during the meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu in India was presented to him by a member of his support staff.

“Jay Shah sent a message to our manager saying that I want to make arrangements to get Pratika a medal,” Rawal said in an interview with CNN News18. “I finally have my own medal. When I first opened it (the medal given to him by the support staff) and looked at it, I almost burst into tears. I’m not a big cryer, but that feeling was real, that feeling of joining in.”

Rawal also stated that Shah had previously guaranteed him a medal, but it may take some time for the medal to arrive.

“Jay Shah told us that he asked ICC if they can send a medal. So it will take some time for the medal to reach me. So one of the support team gave me his medal to wear for now. Imagine I have a medal too. So the medal is on its way,” he said.

Pratika was a member of the Indian team and had an outstanding tournament. She amassed 308 runs, making her India’s second highest run-scorer, just behind Smriti Mandhana. After the World Cup victory, Indian players were awarded medals, but Pratika did not receive them as she was officially included in the squad. Interestingly, Harmanpreet was still on the podium during India’s trophy celebration, a touching gesture from Kaur and her teammates.

Although Pratika could not participate in the semi-final and final matches, he had already made a significant contribution to India’s success early in the tournament. Jay Shah’s thoughtful gesture ensured that his efforts were recognized and appreciated.

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