Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has announced a reward of Rs 1.5 crore for Indian opening batter Pratika Rawal, who played a big role in the team’s historic win at the 2025 Women’s World Cup. The Delhi and
District Cricket Association (DDCA) also confirmed an additional Rs 50 lakh prize for the batter.
The Delhi CM felicitated Rawal on Sunday, in the presence of her father, BCCI-certified umpire Pradeep, Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood, and DDCA President Rohan Jaitley.
Rawal wasn’t part of the final 15-member squad that was considered World Cup winners after the team beat South Africa in the final at the DY Patil Stadium. She was ruled out of the tournament due to an ankle injury suffered on the field during a rain-marred group stage game against Sri Lanka.
Despite being the fourth-highest run-scorer with 308 runs in seven games at an average of 51.33, Rawal didn’t receive the winner’s medals and joined the team’s celebrations in a wheelchair. However, the ICC made an exception for her and granted a 16th medal.
“Today, Chief Minister welcomed Ms. Pratika Rawal, the talented young player of the Indian women’s cricket team, at Jansewa Sadan. Our promising daughter Pratika has brought glory to Delhi. Honouring her commitment to sports and outstanding performance, the Delhi government will award her a cash prize of ₹1.5 crore,” the CM wrote on X.
“Pratika is a living embodiment of young Delhi’s energy, courage, and the feminine power of the new India. Her journey shows that Delhi not only gives birth to dreams but also gives them wings. Heartfelt best wishes for her bright future,” she added.
Rawal’s journey began in Delhi as she used to follow her father to matches he officiated. Intrigued by a coaching drill in an academy, she cajoled Pradeep to let her join and became the first girl student there.
She represented Delhi in age-group and senior domestic tournaments before moving to Railways ahead of last season.
“If this World Cup win encourages even one young girl to believe that she can do this too, then that’s a huge step forward,” she told News18 CricketNext in a chat after the World Cup. “I hope this moment pushes the growth of women’s cricket even further, in Delhi and across the country. We have so much talent, it just needs that belief, opportunity & support.
