Jemimah Rodrigues Supports Smriti Mandhana By Opting Out Of WBBL After Palash Muchhal Controversy
Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana has been making the headlines since her wedding with composer Palash Muchhal was postponed.
Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana has been making the headlines since her wedding with composer Palash Muchhal was postponed. And now, the Brisbane Heat have confirmed that cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues will not return for the remainder of the WBBL (Women’s Big Bash League) season, as she has requested to stay in India after the controversy of her teammate. She had flown home after the Heat’s clash with the Hobart Hurricanes to take part in her teammate’s wedding celebration, which got cancelled after Mandhana’s father got ill. Read to know more here.
About Jemimah Rodrigues, Smriti Mandhana
Jemimah Rodrigues has chosen to stay in India to support Smriti Mandhana and her family, and the Heat said that they fully respected her decision. CEO Terry Svenson acknowledged the fans’ disappointments, but emphasised that the franchise’s priority was her well-being. The cricketer was the club’s top international draft pick this year and was in her second stint with Brisbane. In a statement released by the franchise, Svenson stated, “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.
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The Heat club obviously wish her and Smriti Mandhana’s family all the best for the future.” He said Jemimiah expressed her disappointment about not being able to return and conveyed her gratitude to the club and Heat fans for understanding the situation. He added that she has been in contact with the players and has wished them well for the rest of their matches.
The Heat, who are still looking for their first win of the season following a devastating last-ball loss to the Adelaide Strikers earlier this week, will now face the Sydney Sixers at Adelaide Oval on Friday. Grace Harris, an all-rounder, returns to the lineup after being sidelined for workload management, replacing Lily Bassingthwaighte in the squad as Brisbane attempts to kick off their season.
First Published: November 27, 2025 3:24 PM
