In a significant development in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL), Jemimah Rodrigues has withdrawn from the remainder of the 2025 season, choosing to remain in India to support her teammate Smriti Mandhana during a challenging time. The Brisbane Heat, Rodrigues' WBBL franchise, confirmed her release, respecting her decision to prioritize the well-being of her close friend and fellow cricketer.
Rodrigues had initially returned to India from Australia to attend Mandhana's wedding, which was scheduled for the past weekend. However, the wedding was postponed due to a sudden health issue concerning Mandhana's father. Reports indicate that Mandhana's father suffered a heart attack, leading to the postponement of the celebrations.
The turn of events has prompted Rodrigues to stay by Mandhana's side, offering support and solidarity. The Brisbane Heat acknowledged Rodrigues' request to remain in India, understanding the difficult circumstances. "It has obviously been a challenging time for Jemi, so while it is unfortunate that she will take no further part in the WBBL, we were more than willing to agree to her request to remain in India," said Brisbane Heat CEO Terry Svenson. He further added, "The Heat club obviously wish her and Smriti Mandhana's family all the best for the future".
Rodrigues, who played three matches for the Heat this season, has communicated her disappointment at not being able to return to the WBBL. She expressed her gratitude to the club and fans for their understanding. "Jemi told us she was disappointed not to be coming back and has passed on her appreciation to the club and the Heat fans for being so understanding of the circumstances. She has been in touch with the players and wished them all the best for the rest of their games,” Svenson stated.
The postponement of Mandhana's wedding and her father's health scare have led to considerable speculation and discussion on social media. Mandhana has removed pre-wedding photos from her Instagram account, further fueling rumors, although reports suggest that the couple still follows each other online. Amidst the personal challenges, Mandhana also had to skip a special episode of "Kaun Banega Crorepati" (KBC) celebrating India's Women's Cricket World Cup victory.
Rodrigues' decision to prioritize support for her teammate has been widely lauded as a commendable act of friendship and solidarity. Her absence will undoubtedly be felt by the Brisbane Heat, who are currently searching for their first win of the WBBL season. The team will now focus on their upcoming match against the Sydney Sixers.
