Jemimah Rodrigues just did something that surprised everyone in cricket. The Indian star left her WBBL 2025 duties halfway through the season. She’s flying back home to be with her close friend Smriti Mandhana.
Why Jemimah Left Australia Suddenly
Jemimah was doing pretty well with the Brisbane Heat. Three matches done, and she looked comfortable in Australian conditions. Nobody saw what was coming next though.
Back home, Smriti had her wedding planned for November 23 with Palash Muchhal. The preparations were all done and guests were arriving. But life threw a curveball that morning when Smriti’s father Shrinivas collapsed with a heart attack.
Doctors had to see him right away at the hospital. Tuhin Mishra, who manages Smriti’s work, broke the news about the wedding.
Some rumours started floating around on social media about Palash cheating on Smriti the night before the wedding. People noticed Smriti deleted her wedding posts online. But there’s no proof backing up these claims at all.
Friendship Comes First for Jemimah
Hearing about her friend’s troubles, Jemimah decided not to fly back to Australia. She wanted to stand beside Smriti during this difficult period. Brisbane Heat fully supported her choice to leave the tournament.
Terry Svenson, the Heat CEO, spoke warmly about Jemimah’s decision. He said the franchise had no problems letting her go. Family and friends matter more than cricket matches in such situations.
“Brisbane Heat have agreed to a request to release Jemimah Rodrigues from the remainder of the Weber Women’s Big Bash League. Rodrigues returned home to India after the Heat’s match against the Hobart Hurricanes 10 days ago as part of a pre-arranged commitment where she was to be involved in Indian teammate Smriti Mandhana’s wedding last weekend,” he said.
“However, the celebrations were subsequently postponed due to a health issue with Mandhana’s father. Rodrigues will stay in India to support her teammate, and the Heat has agreed to her not returning for the final four games of the WBBL season.”
Jemimah was actually Heat’s top pick at the International Player draft. She rushed to Brisbane just hours before their season opener. Despite the tight schedule, she gave her best in three games.
What This Means for Brisbane Heat
The Heat will now miss their star player for the four remaining matches. Jemimah was the only Indian playing in this WBBL 2025. Her absence creates a big gap in the team’s lineup.
“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. The Heat club obviously wish her and Smriti Mandhana’s family all the best for the future,” the Heat CEO said.
But everyone understands why she had to leave Australia early. True friendship means being there when your teammates need support. Jemimah chose loyalty over cricket, and fans respect that choice completely.
The cricket world is sending prayers for Smriti’s father right now. Both players will return to action once things settle down. Their friendship has touched many hearts across the cricketing community today.
