India’s opening batsman Pratika Rawal has finally been seen with the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup winner’s medal after initially being left out as per International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations.
Rawal’s likeness with the medal appeared in the official team photo with president Draupadi Murmu, prompting speculation that the ICC may have revised its stance on medal eligibility for players ruled out due to injury.
During the victory celebrations at Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium after India were crowned champions and defeated South Africa in the final, Rawal, seen in a wheelchair draped in an Indian flag, was not given a victory medal as she was removed from the 15-man squad following an injury.
Under ICC rules, only players named in the final 15-man squad for the championship match are eligible for winners’ medals. Rawal, despite her stellar performances earlier in the campaign, was sidelined with an injury during the league match against Bangladesh and subsequently replaced by Shafali Verma ahead of the semi-final.
The breakthrough came on Wednesday when the team met President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. In a group photo released later, Rawal was seen proudly wearing her medala view that many interpreted as the ICC bending its regulations to acknowledge her contribution. President Draupadi Murmu with the Indian women’s cricket team (PTI Photo)
Although neither the ICC nor the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued an official statement, the gesture was widely welcomed by fans and cricket figures alike.
This isn’t the first time a key contributor has missed out on a winner’s medal. During the 2003 Men’s ODI World Cup, Australia’s Jason Gillespie suffered a similar disappointment when he was not recognized with a medal despite taking eight wickets before injury ruled him out of the tournament.
Meanwhile, before meeting the President, the Indian women’s cricket team also visited Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Lok Kalyan Marg. During the interaction, the players presented her with a team jersey signed by all members of the World Cup winning team.
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Issued by:
Rishabh Beniwal
Published on:
November 6, 2025
