Why Pratika Rawal Was Seen With a World Cup Medal Despite Missing the Final

India's star batter Pratika Rawal, who played a key role in the Women's World Cup 2025 before being sidelined due to injury, has finally received her winner's medal after initial exclusion under ICC regulations.

The emotional moment was revealed when Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the victorious team at his residence in New Delhi, where Rawal was seen proudly wearing the medal she had earlier missed out on.

ICC Reportedly Makes Exception for Rawal

During the World Cup celebrations at DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai, Rawal had appeared in a wheelchair, wrapped in the tricolour but without a medal, sparking widespread sympathy and debate over ICC's strict rules. Fans and former players alike voiced their disappointment, noting her major contribution as India's second-highest run-scorer in the tournament.

When the team met Prime Minister Modi for a felicitation ceremony on Wednesday, photographs released from the event showed Rawal with the medal around her neck - a clear sign that the ICC had re-evaluated its stance. However, neither the ICC, BCCI, nor Rawal herself has officially commented on the development.

The Rule and Its Rare Exception

According to ICC's existing regulations, only the 15 players officially listed in the final World Cup squad are eligible for medals. Rawal, though part of the original squad, was ruled out after suffering an injury during the league-stage clash against Bangladesh. She was subsequently replaced by Shafali Verma before the semifinals.

Such cases are not new in world cricket. In the 2003 Men's World Cup, Australia's Jason Gillespie missed out on a medal despite making significant contributions earlier in the tournament. Rawal's case, however, appears to mark one of the rare moments when the ICC has chosen empathy over protocol.

Rawal Reflects on Watching the Final from the Stands

Rawal's absence on the field during India's World Cup win was deeply felt by fans. The young opener had scored 308 runs, including a century and a fifty, before her campaign was cut short.

Speaking after India's victory, an emotional Rawal said, "I can't express enough. There's no words. It's not going to come out of my mouth. This flag on my shoulder means a lot to me. And you know, being here with my team, it's just surreal."

Sharing how tough it was to watch from the sidelines, she added, "To be very honest, it was very difficult for me to sit down and watch the match because it's actually very difficult. It's very easy to play inside rather than watching from the outside. But seeing this energy, seeing this environment, it just gave me goosebumps. Whenever there was a wicket, whenever there was a sixer, you know, you can see the energy. It's amazing."

A Fitting Recognition for a Key Contributor

The ICC's decision, though unofficially confirmed, is being seen as a heartwarming gesture of acknowledgment for Rawal's pivotal role in India's World Cup journey. Her return to the team celebration with the medal symbolizes not just personal triumph but also a rare moment where compassion triumphed over regulation.

It later emerged that there was no change or special exemption made by the ICC in Rawal's case. Sources indicated that the medal seen around her neck during the meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi was handed to her by one of her teammates purely for the photo opportunity.

The gesture was meant to ensure Rawal was part of the celebratory moment, especially while clicking pictures with the Prime Minister, given her significant contribution to the campaign. Officially, the ICC regulations remain unchanged, and the medal was not issued as part of any revised decision by the governing body.