Jemimah Rodrigues to miss rest of WBBL season: Here's why
What's the story
Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues will not be participating in the remaining matches of the 2025/26 Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) season. Brisbane Heat, her franchise, has agreed to her request to stay back in India and support her India teammate Smriti Mandhana, whose wedding was recently postponed due to a health issue with her father. Both Rodrigues and Mandhana were pivotal to India's ICC WODI World Cup title win earlier this year.
Franchise support
Brisbane Heat CEO comments on Rodrigues's decision
Brisbane Heat CEO Terry Svenson, in a statement, said the franchise was more than willing to agree to Rodrigues's request. He said, "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." He also wished Mandhana and her family all the best for the future.
Wedding plans
Rodrigues's commitment toward Mandhana
Rodrigues had returned to India after playing three WBBL matches with Brisbane Heat. She was supposed to attend her close friend and teammate Mandhana's wedding last weekend. However, the celebrations were postponed due to a health issue with Mandhana's father. The franchise confirmed that Rodrigues will stay back in India for her teammate during this difficult time.
Game statistics
How Rodrigues fared for Heat
In her three matches for Brisbane Heat, Rodrigues scored 37 runs at an average of 12.33 and a strike rate of 102.77. The team has lost all six matches so far this season and is still searching for its first win. They will be bolstered by the return of all-rounder Grace Harris for their next match against Sydney Sixers on Friday.