Why Did Pratik Rawal Miss Out on a World Cup Winner’s Medal? Discover the Real Reason

The star player of the Indian women’s cricket team, Pratik Rawal, played a crucial role in India’s victory at the 2025 Women’s World Cup. However, she did not receive a winner’s medal when India clinched their first trophy on November 2, by defeating South Africa led by Laura by 52 runs at the D.Y. Patil Stadium. The reason lies in the eligibility rules set by the International Cricket Council (ICC), which stipulate that medals are awarded only to players who remain part of the official 15-member squad throughout the tournament, including the knockout and final stages.

During a group-stage match against Bangladesh, Pratik suffered a knee and ankle injury, leading to her replacement by Shefali Verma before the semifinals. Due to the nature of her replacement, ICC regulations rendered her ineligible for a medal, despite her outstanding performance in the earlier rounds.

After India’s victory, Pratik was seen celebrating in a wheelchair, draped in the Indian flag, joyfully participating in the celebrations alongside her teammates. She expressed her happiness, stating, « I can’t put this feeling into words. This flag on my shoulder means everything to me. It’s incredible to stand here with the team, » emphasizing her love for the team despite her injury.

Throughout the tournament, Pratik scored an impressive 308 runs in 7 matches, averaging 51.33 with a strike rate of 77.77. Her standout performance came against New Zealand, where she scored 122 runs, helping India bounce back strongly after consecutive losses to South Africa, England, and Australia.

The Indian women’s cricket team made history by winning the World Cup 2025. Among the star performers, Pratik Rawal stood out with her exceptional contributions. However, despite her crucial role in the tournament, she did not receive a winner’s medal. This article delves into the reasons behind this surprising decision, highlighting the ICC eligibility rules and events that unfolded during the tournament.

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• Pratik Rawal’s Impact on India’s World Cup Journey
• The Shocking Injury and Its Consequences
• ICC Rules: Why the Medal Wasn’t Awarded
• The Emotive Celebration
• Pratik’s Heartfelt Reaction
• Looking Back at the Journey
• Reason Behind Pratik Rawal’s Absence from Winner’s Medal

Pratik Rawal’s Impact on India’s World Cup Journey

Pratik Rawal was undoubtedly a linchpin for the Indian team during the World Cup. She played a key role in the group-stage matches, showcasing her talent and determination. In a total of seven matches, she amassed an impressive 308 runs at an average of 51.33 and a strike rate of 77.77, including a remarkable century against New Zealand. Her performance not only solidified her place among India’s top players but also helped the team recover from consecutive defeats against major cricketing nations.

The Shocking Injury and Its Consequences

During the intense group stage match against Bangladesh, Pratik suffered significant injuries to her knee and ankle. This unfortunate turn of events meant that she could not participate further in the tournament. Consequently, her place was taken by Shefali Verma before the semi-finals. The injury, though a common risk in sports, had significant ramifications for Pratik’s role in the championship.

ICC Rules: Why the Medal Wasn’t Awarded

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has strict eligibility criteria for awarding medals. According to the rules, only players who remain part of the official 15-member squad until the end of the tournament are eligible for a winner’s medal. Unfortunately, due to her injuries and subsequent replacement, Pratik was officially no longer part of the team during the knockout stages, making her ineligible for the medal despite her pivotal contributions earlier in the tournament.

The Emotive Celebration

After India’s historic victory, Pratik was seen celebrating with the Indian flag draped over her shoulders while in a wheelchair. Despite the disappointment of not receiving a medal, she expressed immense joy at being part of the winning team. Her spirit remained unbroken as she cheered for her teammates, showcasing true sportsmanship and love for the game.

Pratik’s Heartfelt Reaction

After the victory, Pratik shared her feelings, stating, “I can’t put this feeling into words. The tricolor on my shoulders means everything. It feels incredible to stand here with the team. Injuries are part of the game, but I am just so happy to have been a part of this winning team. I love this team.” Her words resonate deeply with fans and highlight the camaraderie within the squad, irrespective of individual accolades.

Looking Back at the Journey

Pratik Rawal’s remarkable journey throughout the World Cup 2025 showcased a blend of talent, resilience, and teamwork. Despite the heartbreak of missing out on a medal, her performance etched her name in the annals of Indian cricket history. Fans and analysts alike recognize her contributions, and the community continues to support her as a vital member of the Indian women’s cricket team.

Reason Behind Pratik Rawal’s Absence from Winner’s Medal