The star player of the Indian women's cricket team, Pratika Rawal, played a pivotal role in India's triumphant Women's World Cup 2025 campaign. However, when India clinched their first-ever trophy on November 2 by defeating Laura's South Africa by 52 runs at the DY Patil Stadium, Pratika was not awarded the Winner’s Medal. Here's why...
According to the International Cricket Council (ICC) eligibility rules, medals are only awarded to players who remain in the official 15-member squad until the end of the tournament, including knockout and final stages.
In a group-stage match against Bangladesh in Navi Mumbai, Pratika sustained knee and ankle injuries. She was subsequently ruled out of the remainder of the tournament, allowing Shefali Verma to join the team before the semi-final. Due to her official replacement caused by injury, Pratika did not qualify for the medal under the ICC regulations, despite her stellar performances in the tournament's early stages.
Pratika celebrates from her wheelchair
After India's World Cup victory, Pratika Rawal was seen wrapped in the Indian tricolor and celebrating with her team from a wheelchair, smiling amidst her crutches. Even though she wasn't part of the playing eleven in the final, she wholeheartedly celebrated the moment and expressed her joy in being part of India's historic win.
Pratika Rawal expressed after India's triumph, 'I cannot articulate this feeling in words. This tricolor on my shoulder means everything to me. Standing here with my team feels incredible. Injuries are part of the game, but I'm just so happy to have been part of this winning team. I love this team.'
Throughout the tournament, Pratika Rawal's performance was outstanding. She scored 308 runs in 7 matches, with an average of 51.33 and a strike rate of 77.77. Her most memorable innings was against New Zealand, where she scored 122, paving the way for India's spectacular comeback after three consecutive losses to South Africa, England, and Australia.
