Triumph Over Technicality: Pratika Rawal Finally Gets World Cup Recognition

In a story that encapsulates the bittersweet reality of professional sport, Indian cricket star Pratika Rawal has finally been seen wearing her hard-earned World Cup winner’s medal, days after a controversial International Cricket Council (ICC) regulation initially deemed her ineligible.

The celebrated opening batter, who was the second-highest run-scorer for India in their historic Women’s World Cup triumph, missed out on the podium presentation due to a harsh technicality after a mid-tournament injury forced her withdrawal.

The ICC Rule Controversy

Rawal was a pillar of the Indian batting line-up during the league stage, amassing a crucial 308 runs, including a century, before an unfortunate ankle injury sidelined her during a group match. Following the medical assessment, she was officially replaced in the 15-member squad by Shafali Verma ahead of the semi-finals.

Under ICC’s stringent regulations, only players who are part of the final, official 15-member squad at the conclusion of the tournament are eligible to receive winner’s medals. Since Rawal had been formally replaced, she was technically no longer a squad member when India lifted the trophy. This rule has been a point of contention in the cricketing community, as it overlooks the substantial contributions made by an injured player who helped the team reach the final stages.

“Injuries are part and parcel of the game, but I’m just so happy to have been part of this winning side. I love this team.” – Pratika Rawal, post-match.

An Emotional Celebration

The sight of Rawal in a wheelchair, draped in the Indian tricolour but visibly without a medal during the on-field celebrations, became one of the most poignant images of the final. Her teammates, however, made sure her contribution was recognized, with captain Smriti Mandhana notably pushing her wheelchair onto the field for the trophy celebration.

Recognition Arrives

The widespread public debate and outpouring of support for Rawal appeared to have been acknowledged. The controversy reached a heartwarming conclusion when the team met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi. Photographs from the meeting show Rawal proudly adorned with the coveted medal, alongside her victorious teammates.

While early reports hinted at a potential one-time exception by the ICC, a later, touching revelation suggested the medal was a selfless gesture from one of her teammates, Amanjot Kaur, who reportedly gave her own medal to Rawal for the photograph with the Prime Minister. Regardless of the exact source of the medal, the image confirms that Rawal’s pivotal role in the country’s first-ever Women’s World Cup title has been properly and publicly celebrated.

This incident has once again ignited calls for the ICC to review its medal eligibility criteria to ensure that players who contribute significantly to a team’s journey, but are sidelined by injury, receive the full recognition they deserve.