Pratika Rawal signs for Warwickshire Women ahead of One-Day Cup run-in
New Delhi, July 28
India opener Pratika Rawal has signed for Warwickshire Women and will join the squad ahead of the club's next round of One-Day Cup fixtures beginning on August 19, marking another significant step in the 25-year-old's rapidly rising career.
Since her debut for India in 2024, Rawal has become one of the most promising figures in international cricket. As an opener, she has had an outstanding beginning to her one-day international career, accumulating over 600 runs at an average of just under 70 in her first 10 games and thus positioning herself as one of the leading opening batters in the world in the 50-over format.
She played a pivotal role in India's successful campaign at the 2025 Women's World Cup, ending the tournament as the top run-scorer with 308 runs; Rawal also scored her second century in one-day international cricket in a match which the team needed to win before missing the final due to injury.
This year Rawal made her Test debut for India against Australia, where she scored 68 in the second innings; her transfer to Warwickshire will also represent her second period of playing cricket in England since India had won a 2-1 ODI series against England the previous year.
Ali Maiden, who is the head coach of Warwickshire Women, has welcomed Rawal's signing and thinks that Rawal's joining will help the team with its efforts in the latter part of the competition.
"It's a great signing for the team, and we are most pleased to be able to welcome Pratika to Edgbaston. Our position in the One Day Cup table at the moment is a good one, and that bringing in a player of Pratika's calibre can only serve to strengthen our team as we aim to end the season on a positive note," the club said in a release on Tuesday.
Rawal said that she is looking forward to taking on the challenge of playing county cricket and is excited by the opportunity to play at one of the sport's most famous grounds.
"I am most pleased to be joining Warwickshire; I have heard many positive things about the club and am excited to get going and do all I can to assist the team. Testing myself by playing in England will be a great experience for me, and I'm also looking forward to walking out at Edgbaston, which is such an iconic ground in world cricket," Rawal said.
It is expected that the Indian opener will be available for the One-Day Cup match between Warwickshire and Yorkshire at Edgbaston on August 19 as she starts her time with the county.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's great to see Indian women cricketers getting these overseas opportunities. With her World Cup performance and now this, Pratika is inspiring a whole generation of young girls back home. Hope Warwickshire benefits from her talent!
Honestly, I'm a bit cautious about this. While it's good exposure, our domestic players need strong county competitions too. Hope BCCI ensures there are enough quality home fixtures as well. But all the best to Pratika – she deserves this! 🙏
This is brilliant news! Pratika has been a revelation since her debut – averaging nearly 70 in ODIs is no joke. Playing on English pitches will test her technique and make her even more formidable. Warwickshire have made a smart signing. 👏
Great move for her career development. I remember when Indian women players rarely got such opportunities abroad. Now it's becoming more common, which shows how much women's cricket has grown. Also nice to see Warwickshire's coach so welcoming.
Just hope she stays fit and avoids injury this time. Missing the World Cup final was heartbreaking for all of us. But this county stint should keep her in good rhythm for upcoming international series. Exciting times for Indian women's cricket! 🏏
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