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Jay Shah’s initiative demonstrated that contributions to the sport are not just determined by the final match, but by the entire journey. Pratika Rawal has now received her due.
ICC to Give Winning Medal to Pratika Rawal
New Delhi: After the Indian women's cricket team's historic World Cup 2025 win, one name was in the news: Pratika Rawal. She performed brilliantly in the tournament, but was denied the winning medal because she did not play in the final. However, now, following Jay Shah's intervention, the ICC was forced to change its rule, and Pratika Rawal will finally receive the medal she deserved.
According to the ICC's old rule, only the 15 players included in the final squad were awarded the winning medal. Pratika Rawal played a key role in several matches of the tournament, but was unable to play in the final due to injury. This is why she was denied a medal.
On the other hand, Shafali Verma, who played only two matches, received a medal because she was part of the final team. This disparity caused outrage among fans and the cricket community.
Jay Shah, Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and ICC President, immediately intervened in the matter. Speaking to a news channel, Pratika said, "Jay Shah messaged our manager and said he would arrange for my medal to be brought. I finally have my medal."
She explained that the medal she wore during her meetings with the Prime Minister and President actually belonged to a member of the team's support staff. Pratika said, "When I held the medal in my hands, I had tears in my eyes. I don't usually cry, but the emotion of that moment was genuine."
Jay Shah had assured her that she would receive her actual winning medal, and now it is on its way.
After Jay Shah intervention, the ICC has changed its rule, Indian cricketer Pratika Rawal will now receive her World Cup 2025 winning medal.@JayShah @ICC #ICCWomensWorldCup #WinningMedial pic.twitter.com/KImtSvodC8
— Dynamite News (@DynamiteNews_) November 7, 2025
Pratika Rawal had a stellar World Cup journey. She scored 308 runs in six innings and played a brilliant innings of 122 against New Zealand. However, she twisted her leg while fielding in the league stage match against Bangladesh, forcing her out of the tournament.
She continued to support the team from a wheelchair during the final match and later attended the felicitation ceremony with the Prime Minister and President.
Jay Shah's initiative demonstrated that contributions to the sport are not just determined by the final match, but by the entire journey. Pratika Rawal has now received her due. This ICC decision is an inspiration not only for Pratika but for all the players who contribute behind the scenes as part of the team.
