Jay Shah Helps Injured Pratika Rawal Finally Get Her World Cup Winners’ Medal

India opener Pratika Rawal, a key contributor and the team's second-highest run-scorer in the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup with 308 runs, endured heartbreak after sustaining an ankle injury that ruled her out of the semi-final and final matches. Following India's historic 52-run victory over South Africa, Rawal celebrated alongside her teammates on a wheelchair but was noticeably missing her winners' medal due to ICC regulations awarding medals only to the final 15-member squad.

Pratika was replaced by Shafali Verma ahead of the knockout stages, with Shafali going on to win Player of the Match in the final and receiving the medal officially. However, in a commendable act of recognition, ICC Chairman Jay Shah personally ensured arrangements were made for Pratika to receive her deserved medal. Rawal revealed to CNN News18 that Jay Shah contacted her team’s management to arrange the presentation, a moment filled with deep emotion for the 25-year-old cricketer.

Rawal’s injury occurred while fielding in the 21st over of Bangladesh’s innings during the group stage, halting her impactful campaign. Despite her exit, her performances stood out as vital to India’s World Cup journey, showcasing resilience and skill throughout. She scored a century and a fifty in the tournament, leaving a lasting impression as one of India’s top performers.

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Receiving her medal later brought a wave of emotions to Rawal, who said, “I’m not a person who cries a lot but that emotion was real, that feeling of joining us.” Jay Shah’s gesture not only honored Rawal’s contribution but also symbolized the spirit of inclusion and recognition in Indian women’s cricket’s historic triumph.

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