Rawal was initially denied the medal due to her injury, which ruled her out of the knockout stages. According to ICC regulations, only players included in the final 15-member squad at the conclusion of the tournament are eligible for medals. As Rawal was replaced by Shafali Verma before the semifinals, she was left out of the official list.
Jay Shah Ensures Rawal Gets Her Due
Despite being present at the victory celebrations — even joining the team on a wheelchair — Rawal did not receive a medal and was later seen wearing a support-staff medal during her meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sparking debate over recognition for injured players.
Speaking to CNN News18, Rawal confirmed that Jay Shah personally stepped in to resolve the issue.
“Jay Shah intervened and told us he wants to make sure I get a medal of my own. It is on the way. I will get it soon,” she said.
With the ICC now set to send her an official winner’s medal, Rawal’s remarkable journey finally receives the recognition it deserves.
Strong Tournament Before Injury
Before her injury, Pratika Rawal was among India’s standout performers in the World Cup, scoring 308 runs in six innings at an average of 51.33, including a brilliant 122 off 134 balls against New Zealand. She also became the joint-fastest woman to reach 1,000 ODI runs during the tournament.
Her injury during the group stage ended her campaign prematurely, but her impact on India’s title-winning run remains undeniable.
