Jemimah Rodrigues Stays Back In India After Smriti Mandhana’s Wedding Gets Postponed

Jemimah Rodrigues has decided not to return to Australia for the rest of the WBBL season after Smriti Mandhana’s wedding was postponed.

Her team, Brisbane Heat, confirmed that they have agreed to her request to remain in India during this difficult time.

Rodrigues had flown home 10 days ago after the Heat’s match against Hobart Hurricanes. She travelled to India to attend Mandhana’s wedding celebrations, but the event was cancelled when Mandhana’s father fell ill.

Following the postponement, Rodrigues chose to stay back to support Smriti and her family. The franchise said they completely understood her decision.

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Brisbane Heat CEO Terry Svenson said the club respected her situation, even though fans were hoping to see more of her this season. Rodrigues was the team’s top international draft pick this year and was playing her second stint with the franchise.

Svenson added that the Heat’s priority was her well-being and said the entire club wished Mandhana’s family the best.

He also shared that Rodrigues was sad about not returning but thanked the team and fans for being supportive and understanding. She has also been in touch with her teammates and sent her best wishes for the rest of their matches.

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The Heat, still searching for their first win of the season after a close last-ball loss to the Adelaide Strikers, now focus on their next match against the Sydney Sixers at Adelaide Oval. All-rounder Grace Harris will return to the squad after being rested for workload management, replacing Lily Bassingthwaighte.