In the euphoria of India’s historic ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 triumph, one name was conspicuously absent from the medal ceremony—Pratika Rawal. Despite being the team’s second-highest run-scorer, the 23-year-old opener walked away without a winner’s medal, leaving fans heartbroken and confused.
The reason? A cruel twist of fate—and a strict ICC regulation that left no room for sentiment.
Pratika Rawal’s World Cup Brilliance Cut Short
Pratika Rawal burst onto the global stage with a series of fearless, technically sound innings during the group stage. Her 218 runs at an average of 54.50, including a match-winning 89 against New Zealand, made her one of India’s most reliable batters in the tournament .
But during a training session ahead of the semi-finals, she suffered a severe ankle ligament tear. Medical staff confirmed she’d be sidelined for at least six weeks—ending her World Cup journey just as India was peaking.
Why No Medal? The ICC Rule Explained
According to ICC Tournament Regulations (Article 9.3), only players who are officially part of the squad at the time of the final receive medals. Since Rawal was replaced by Richa Ghosh ahead of the knockout stage due to her injury, she was technically no longer a “registered playing member” of the championship team .
This isn’t the first time such a scenario has played out. In the 2003 Men’s Cricket World Cup, Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie suffered a broken leg during the group stage and was replaced. Despite contributing to early wins, he too missed out on a medal—a decision that sparked similar outcry .
Public Outcry and Calls for Reform
Indian fans have flooded social media with #MedalForPratika, urging the ICC to revisit its policy. Former players like Anjum Chopra and Irfan Pathan have echoed the sentiment, calling the rule “outdated” and “unfair to athletes who sacrifice everything.”
“She batted through pressure, set the tone for victories, and got injured in service of the team,” said batting coach WV Raman in a radio interview. “To deny her a medal feels like denying her contribution.”
Pratika Rawal’s World Cup 2025 Performance Snapshot
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 4 |
| Runs | 218 |
| Highest Score | 89 |
| Average | 54.50 |
| Strike Rate | 86.16 |
| Medal Received? | No (due to ICC replacement rule) |
Despite the injustice, Rawal has shown remarkable grace. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she wrote: “My heart is with my sisters on that podium. I may not have the medal around my neck, but I have their love—and that’s enough.”
What’s Next? A Growing Push for Change
The ICC has yet to comment on whether it will consider honorary medals or policy revisions. However, this incident has reignited a global conversation about how sports governing bodies recognize injured athletes who contribute meaningfully before being forced out.
For now, Pratika Rawal’s name may be missing from the official medal list—but in the hearts of millions, she’s every bit a World Cup champion.
Sources
Times of India,
ICC Playing Conditions – Women’s ODI World Cup 2025,
ESPNCricinfo – Gillespie’s 2003 Medal Snub