India’s star batter Jemimah Rodrigues will not be returning for the Brisbane Heat for the remainder of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) season 11. The right-handed batter has decided to stay in India to be with her close friend and teammate Smriti Mandhana.
This means the Brisbane Heat will continue the season without one of their key overseas players.
Brisbane Heat CEO Terry Svenson confirmed that Rodrigues would be staying in India and expressed support for her decision.
“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 said.
Rodrigues returned to India to attend Mandhana’s wedding celebrations. However, the event was postponed after Mandhana’s father reportedly suffered a health issue.
Svenson also sent his best wishes to Rodrigues and Mandhana and her family.
“The Heat club obviously wishes her and Smriti Mandhana’s family all the best for the future,” he added. “Jemi told us she was disappointed not to be coming back and has passed on her appreciation to the club and Heat fans for being so understanding of the circumstances.”
Svenson further revealed that Rodrigues was saddened not to be returning to complete the season. “She has been in touch with the players and wished them all the best for the rest of their games,” he said.
Rodrigues’ absence is a major blow to the Brisbane Heat, who are currently struggling in the tournament. They sit at the bottom of the table, having lost all their matches.
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