Jay Shah ensured Pratika Rawal got her World Cup medal: India star's father

India batter Pratika Rawal’s father, Pradeep Rawal, has confirmed that his daughter has received the winner’s medal for the Women’s World Cup 2025 following an intervention by ICC President Jay Shah. Pratika, who was originally a part of India’s Women’s World Cup 2025 squad, was ruled out of the tournament after twisting her ankle during the final group game against Bangladesh.

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Following her injury, she was replaced by Shafali Verma in the squad, who went on to deliver a terrific all-round performance in the final against South Africa to help India secure a 52-run victory. As the entire team celebrated their World Cup triumph at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, Pratika was seen in a wheelchair without the World Cup winner’s medal around her neck, as she had been ruled out of the 15-member squad. According to ICC rules, only players named in the final 15-member squad for the championship match are eligible for the winner’s medals.

However, she was later spotted wearing the winner’s medal during the team’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu, which sparked widespread confusion among fans. Pratika Rawal’s father has since cleared the air surrounding the matter, revealing that ICC President Jay Shah personally ensured that Pratika received her deserved winner’s medal.

“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,” Pradeep Rawal exclusively told IndiaToday.in.

Meanwhile, neither the ICC nor the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued an official statement, but the gesture has been widely welcomed by fans and cricket experts. Before being ruled out of the tournament, Pratika played a pivotal role in taking India to the semi-final of the tournament. Despite not featuring in the knockout stages of the World Cup, she finished as the second-highest run scorer for the team with 308 runs from six innings.

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Published By:

Rishabh Beniwal

Published On:

Nov 7, 2025

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