Jemimah Rodrigues Withdraws from WBBL 2025 Season to Stand by Mandhana

Star Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues will not be joining Brisbane Heat for the remainder of the 2025 Women’s Big Bash League season, as confirmed by the team. Instead, she will remain in India to support her teammate Smriti Mandhana after the latter’s wedding was postponed.

The club announced, “Rodrigues will stay in India to support her teammate, and the Heat has agreed that she will not participate in the final four games of the WBBL season.” Rodrigues had played in the first three matches for the Heat before helping India secure their inaugural Women's World Cup title in Navi Mumbai.

Brisbane Heat’s CEO, Terry Svenson, addressed the situation, noting the difficulties Rodrigues faced. “It has obviously been a challenging time for Jemi. While it is unfortunate she will miss the rest of the WBBL, we were happy to agree to her request to remain in India,” he shared. Rodrigues was the top pick in the club’s International Player Draft last year, marking her as a pivotal player for the team.

Smriti Mandhana’s wedding had to be postponed due to health issues in her family and affecting her fiancé, Palaash Muchhal. Mandhana’s father was hospitalized with angina, and Muchhal also suffered from flu and acidity issues, necessitating his relocation to Mumbai for treatment. The wedding, initially set for November 23, has been postponed indefinitely. Rodrigues was already in Sangli, Maharashtra, alongside various national teammates for the wedding festivities when these developments occurred.

Svenson concluded by extending best wishes to Rodrigues and Mandhana’s family. “Jemi expressed her disappointment at not returning but thanked the club and Heat fans for understanding. She has sent her best wishes to her teammates for the rest of the season,” he remarked.

The Brisbane Heat has had a challenging start to WBBL 11, having lost all six matches thus far. With Rodrigues unavailable, the team must seek replacements to rise to the occasion and strive for victory. The absence of their Indian superstar is anticipated to further complicate the Heat’s performance and team spirit.

Rodrigues’ choice signifies her strong commitment to her teammates and family values, prioritizing the support of friends during challenging personal moments over professional obligations. Fans and the cricket community have widely appreciated her decision.

Despite the hurdle for Brisbane Heat, Rodrigues’ dedication to Smriti Mandhana’s well-being underscores the tight-knit bond among Indian women cricketers. Remaining in India allows her to offer encouragement and support throughout this tough time.

As the Heat continue their WBBL journey without Rodrigues, they are called to rely on their other athletes to fill the gap. Meanwhile, Rodrigues remains in India, standing by her teammate and nurturing friendship and loyalty, a gesture that transcends the game of cricket.