Pratika Rawal, India's opening batter and the team's second-highest run-scorer during the Women's World Cup, initially could not receive a winner's medal because of International Cricket Council regulations. The rules state that only players listed in the final 15-member squad receive medals. Rawal was forced out due to an injury during India's league match against Bangladesh and was replaced by Shafali Verma before the semifinal. During the victory celebrations at DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai, she appeared in a wheelchair wrapped in the Indian flag but without a medal. However, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the victorious team at his residence on Wednesday, photographs showed Rawal wearing the medal, indicating the ICC made an exception. Her tournament performance included 308 runs with a century and a fifty, cementing her role in India's historic triumph.
ICC Makes Exception After Initial Medal Denial
Under ICC regulations, medals are reserved exclusively for players named in the tournament's final squad of fifteen members. Rawal was part of the original team but sustained an injury during the washed-out Bangladesh match, leading to her exclusion from the final squad and replacement by Shafali Verma. Similar situations occurred before; Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie faced the same outcome during the 2003 Men's ODI World Cup after contributing eight wickets before injury ended his campaign. Despite the setback, Rawal remained a crucial contributor to India's success. The ICC ultimately recognized her exceptional performance by awarding her the medal during the team's meeting with the Prime Minister, honouring her significant contribution to the championship victory.
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