In a significant show of leadership and empathy, ICC President Jay Shah has awarded a Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 winner’s medal to Pratika Rawal, a notable opening batter from India, who was sidelined from the final due to injury.
Image/credits X
Typically, ICC’s squad rules state that players absent from the final do not qualify for a winner’s medal. However, Shah’s choice to honor Rawal diverged from tradition, earning widespread acclaim for recognizing the contributions of players vital to a championship journey.
Although Rawal missed India’s exhilarating final win against Australia, she was a key tournament star. Her steady performance at the beginning of innings was instrumental in India’s World Cup triumph.
Pratika Rawal’s Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 Statistics
Matches Played 7, and Runs Scored 345, Highest Score 136, Batting Average: 49.28, Strike Rate: 82.93 Centuries 1 and 2 Half-Centuries
With 345 runs, Rawal emerged as the fourth-top run-scorer in the tournament. Her outstanding innings of 136 were integral to India’s campaign before an ankle injury ruled her out of the final.
In an interview with News18, Pratika conveyed her gratitude to Shah, noting she was “deeply thankful to Jay Shah for recognizing the hard work that goes into every match, not just the final. It matters greatly to be acknowledged even when off the field.”
ALSO READ: TATA WPL 2026: Teams Reveal Retained Players Ahead of Mega Auction
Shah’s considerate gesture has been lauded throughout the cricket community, underscoring his dedication to inclusivity, fairness, and respect for all contributors, including those affected by injury.
As India celebrated the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 victory, Shah’s decision highlighted that true champions are defined not only by performance metrics but also by the values of teamwork, compassion, and unity that embody cricket’s spirit.
2 thoughts on “Jay Shah Breaks Tradition, Honors Pratika Rawal After India’s World Cup Win”