Why India’s Pratika Rawal Didn’t Get a Medal? ICC World Cup 2025 Rule Explained!

When Team India lifted the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 trophy under the blazing lights of DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, there were tears of joy, celebration, and pride. Yet, amid the cheers and confetti, one absence stood out - Pratika Rawal, one of the pillars of India’s campaign, did not receive a winner’s medal.

It was a moment that left fans emotional and confused. How could a player who had been instrumental in India’s march to glory, scoring 308 runs at an average of 51.33 and finishing as the fourth-highest run-scorer of the tournament, not receive the same honor as her teammates?

The reason lies in one of the ICC’s least-discussed tournament rules. According to official playing conditions, once a player is replaced mid-tournament, they are no longer considered an active member of the squad. This means that if an injury forces a player to withdraw, their replacement officially becomes part of the 15-member playing roster, while the injured player is deemed out of the competition.

In Pratika Rawal’s case, she suffered a serious knee injury during India’s second group-stage match against New Zealand. Though she initially tried to recover and stayed with the squad for two more games, medical assessments confirmed that she could not continue for the rest of the tournament. She was later replaced by Megha Bisht, who formally joined the playing squad for the remaining matches. That administrative replacement, as per ICC regulations, made Pratika ineligible for a winner’s medal, even though her contributions were central to India’s progression into the knockout stages.

The rule has existed for decades and has affected players in the past as well. During Australia’s 2003 Men’s World Cup victory, Jason Gillespie, who was ruled out early due to injury, also did not receive a winner’s medal despite being part of the squad at the beginning of the tournament.

Before her injury, Pratika had been one of India’s most consistent performers. Batting at number four, she provided stability in crucial matches and built partnerships that often steered India out of danger. Her composed 87 against England and unbeaten 72 against West Indies were among the most important innings of India’s campaign. Her presence in the middle order ensured balance, and her temperament under pressure earned praise from teammates and commentators alike.

Though she could not take the field for the latter stages of the tournament, the Indian team made sure that she was not forgotten in their celebrations. After India’s triumph in the final against South Africa, Smriti Mandhana was seen carrying Pratika Rawal in a wheelchair to the center of the DY Patil Stadium as the entire team celebrated with the trophy. The image of Mandhana pushing Pratika across the field, surrounded by teammates and fans chanting her name, went viral on social media and became one of the most heartwarming moments of the World Cup.

Even though the ICC rule technically disqualified her from receiving the winner’s medal, her teammates made sure her contribution was recognized in every possible way. For them, she was just as much a champion as anyone holding the trophy.

The situation has also reignited a debate within the cricketing community about whether ICC’s rule is fair. Many former players and fans have expressed disappointment, arguing that such a policy ignores the months of hard work that an injured player contributes before being sidelined. Several experts have called for a rule change, suggesting that any player who has participated in at least one match during a tournament should automatically be eligible for a winner’s medal, regardless of later injury or replacement.

Despite the controversy, Pratika Rawal’s performances in the World Cup will be remembered as some of the finest by an Indian batter in the competition. Her consistency, focus, and calmness at the crease gave India crucial momentum at key moments. Team captain Harmanpreet Kaur even mentioned after the final that the team dedicated the win to every player who contributed, whether on the field or not, adding that Pratika was one of the main reasons India reached the final.

While the ICC rule may have kept the medal from being officially placed around her neck, nothing can take away her legacy. In the eyes of her teammates and millions of fans, Pratika Rawal remains every bit a World Cup champion. Her story is a reminder that sometimes the greatest victories in sport are not just about the silverware, but about the effort, spirit, and heart that go unseen.