NEW DELHI: In a development that is sure to bring smiles to Indian cricket fans, batter Pratika Rawal will now receive her World Cup medal after initially being denied it following her exclusion from the knockout stages of the tournament.
Pratika, who was ruled out of the tournament after sustaining an ankle injury during India's final group match against Bangladesh, had been one of the team's standout performers before her setback. The 25-year-old amassed 308 runs - the second-highest for India - including a century and a half-century.
Amanjot Kaur's act of kindness: The real story behind Pratika Rawal's World Cup medal
The move comes after ICC Chairman Jay Shah intervened to ensure that Pratika would receive her medal, a development she herself confirmed.
"Jay Shah intervened and told us he wants to make sure I get a medal of my own. It is on the way. I will get it soon," Rawal told CNN News18.
As per ICC regulations, only members of the final 15-player squad are eligible to receive winners' medals. Since Rawal was replaced with Shafali Verma before the semifinal, she missed out on the honour - despite her crucial contributions with the bat that had laid the foundation for India's title-winning campaign.
PM Modi turns perfect host, serves food to injured Pratika Rawal at his residence. Watch
However, confusion arose when Pratika was seen wearing a World Cup medal during the team’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence on Wednesday.
It was later clarified that all-rounder Amanjot Kaur had handed her medal to Pratika during a photoshoot, as Pratika was posing without one - a touching gesture that captured the hearts of fans.
