Did Pratika Rawal Receive Her ODI WC Winner’s Medal Thanks to Jay Shah's Intervention?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Pratika Rawal has received her ODI World Cup winner’s medal.
- Jay Shah played a pivotal role in ensuring she received the medal.
- Despite her injury, Pratika was a significant contributor to India's success.
- The Indian team has celebrated their victory by meeting important dignitaries.
- Pratika described the experience post-victory as surreal and magical.
New Delhi, Nov 7 (NationPress) Indian cricketer Pratika Rawal has announced today that she has successfully received her 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup winner’s medal, thanks to the intervention of ICC Chairman Jay Shah.
Pratika was unable to participate in the concluding stages of the tournament due to an ankle injury incurred during the rain-affected match against Bangladesh. She was subsequently replaced by Shafali Verma, whose exceptional performance during the final against South Africa enabled India to secure a 52-run victory and lift the trophy at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
According to ICC regulations, only those players listed in the 15-member squad for the final match are eligible to receive winner’s medals. Although Pratika was seen in a wheelchair during the celebration following the victory and did not receive a medal at that moment, she is now in possession of one.
“I finally have my own medal now. I've got a medal. Actually, Jay Shah sir requested the ICC to send a medal for me as well. So I have my own medal now, thanks to him. I appreciate my support staff and the entire team for arranging this medal for me because I was part of this team,” Pratika shared in an exclusive interview with IANS on Thursday.
Prior to her injury, Pratika played a pivotal role in India’s victorious journey, concluding as the team's second-highest run scorer with 308 runs from six innings. Following the historic ODI World Cup triumph, the Indian team has had the honor of meeting various dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu.
Pratika described life post-World Cup victory as both surreal and amazing. “It feels surreal, actually. We have been traveling a lot after that win. Meeting the Prime Minister and the President feels magical. Seeing that trophy frequently and taking photos with it is something we can’t get enough of,” she reflected.
“We have been capturing numerous pictures. Whenever we encounter that trophy, we all lift it and ask the videographer to take more photos because it looks so incredible. We’ve waited for this trophy for so long, and now it’s finally ours,” she added.
“We just don’t want to let it go. We’re hugging it; we’re even sleeping with it. Some of us have shared pictures of us sleeping next to the trophy. It’s a unique feeling, an amazing feeling, and I hope it lingers for a long time,” she concluded.