Confirmed! Pratika Rawal to Receive World Cup Medal After Meeting PM Modi

India batter Pratika Rawal has been officially awarded the winner’s medal for the Women’s World Cup 2025, as confirmed by her father, Pradeep Rawal. Pratika, who had been selected in India’s squad for the tournament, unfortunately had to withdraw after twisting her ankle during the final group match against Bangladesh. Following her injury, Shafali Verma was called up as her replacement and went on to play a brilliant all-round role in the final against South Africa, and helped India clinch a 52-run victory.

Pratika Rawal Medal Controversy: ICC Chairman Comes to Aid

The Indian team was celebrating their World Cup triumph at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, and Pratika was seen in a wheelchair and without the medal, as she was no longer part of the active 15-member squad. And as per the ICC rules, only players named in the final 15-member squad for the championship match are eligible for the winner’s medals.

The recent confirmation of her medal ensures that her contribution to the team is officially recognised despite her untimely injury, courtesy of Jay Shah, as the ICC had to bend the rules. When the victorious team, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, visited Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence on Lok Kalyan Marg in New Delhi and posed for a group photo, fans noticed that Pratika Rawal was wearing a winner’s medal, and were left confused as many assumed she had finally received her medal, others suggested that teammate Amanjot Kaur might have lent Rawal her own, as Amanjot appeared in the photo without one.

Pratika Rawal’s father has clarified the situation, stating that ICC President Jay Shah personally made sure Pratika was presented with the winner’s medal, which she rightfully earned. Pradeep Rawal said,

Pratika Rawal Women's World Cup Performance

So far, neither the ICC nor the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made any official announcement regarding the medal controversy. However, the Pratika Rawal medal World Cup 2025 moment has received widespread appreciation from the fans. Pratika Rawal was one of the brightest stars for India in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, delivering multiple remarkable performances before her unfortunate injury cut her campaign short. She holds the ability to smash the most centuries in women's cricket.

In just six innings, she scored 308 runs at an average of over 51, making her the team’s second-highest run-getter of the tournament. Her standout knock came against New Zealand, where she scored 122 off 134 balls. Alongside Smriti Mandhana, she stitched together a massive 212-run opening partnership that helped India secure a crucial win and a place in the semi-finals.

Her ability to anchor the innings at the top of the order gave India the stability they had often lacked in past campaigns. Unfortunately, her momentum came to a halt when she suffered a hairline ankle fracture during the final group-stage clash against Bangladesh, ruling her out of the semi-final and final.

Despite missing the knockout stages, Rawal’s contributions were pivotal in shaping India’s title-winning run. Her performances showcased her technical skill and temperament and highlighted that she has the potential to become the best women cricketer in the future.