Jemimah Rodrigues has withdrawn from the remainder of the ongoing Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) season to stay in India and support her close friend and national teammate Smriti Mandhana. The decision comes in the wake of the unexpected postponement of Mandhana’s wedding to Bollywood composer Palash Muchhal.
Jemimah Rodrigues released from the Brisbane Heat squad
Brisbane Heat confirmed that Rodrigues requested to be released from their WBBL squad so she could remain in India during this difficult period for Mandhana. The Indian opener’s wedding was put on hold indefinitely due to her father’s health concerns, and Rodrigues chose to stay by her side as emotional support.
“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,” Heat CEO Terry Svenson told Cricket.com.au.
While Rodrigues recently played a pivotal role in India’s maiden Women’s World Cup triumph, highlighted by a match-winning century in the semifinal against Australia, she struggled to find form in the WBBL 2025–26 season. The right-hander endured three consecutive failures, scoring just 37 runs at an average of 12.33 and a strike rate of 102.78, leaving the Heat disappointed with her performance before her withdrawal.
