Pratika Rawal to Finally Receive Her World Cup Winner’s Medal After Jay Shah’s Intervention | Exclusive

World Cup Winner’s Medal: India opener Pratika Rawal's long wait is finally over, and she's been awarded her winners' medal from the 2025 Women's Cricket World Cup at long last. Rawal was a key part of the Indian side that took home the trophy, but somehow managed to miss out when the medals were handed over that day.

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.

Also Read: Supreme Court Issues Notice to Mohammed Shami Over Estranged Wife Hasin Jahan’s Alimony Plea

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 made an appearance around her neck when Rawal posed for a team photo with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Draupadi Murmu, along with the rest of the team. Not that it was some big secret or anything, the medal was basically out in the open for everyone to see.

Rawal's impact throughout the tournament was no small thing, though - she scored a pretty impressive 308 runs across six innings, averaging a respectable 51.33 runs per innings and managing to strike at a rate of 77.77 runs per 100 balls. One of her top highlights was scoring a maiden World Cup century in a 212-run partnership with Smriti Mandhana against New Zealand - a dominant opening stand that really turned things around for India after they'd hit a bit of a rough patch.

Also Read: Erika Kirk and Vance’s Viral Hug Decoded: Lip Reader Reveals What They Said

In the final, Rawal may not have been on the field but the rest of the players definitely recognised her earlier efforts and her overall presence in the team - they even had her join in on the celebrations (on the field) and the special do in New Delhi after their win - she definitely wasn't left out of the fun.

Also Read: Rohit Sharma Loses It After Shocking Former Teammate Moment: ‘Give Me an Watch Aa!’ Video Goes Viral