Jemimah Rodrigues decides to skip WBBL season to support Smriti Mandhana

India's World Cup-winning star Jemimah Rodrigues will not return to Australia for the remaining matches of the Women's Big Bash League after the Brisbane Heat agreed to release her from the competition.

Rodrigues had arrived in Australia shortly after celebrating India's World Cup triumph in Navi Mumbai and took part in three games for the Heat. However, she returned to India to attend the wedding festivities of her close friend and teammate, Smriti Mandhana, who is married to music composer Palash Muchhal.

According to the Brisbane Heat statement, "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. "

Unfortunately, the wedding, originally scheduled for November 23, was postponed due to a sudden health issue involving Mandhana's father, Shrinivas, who was hospitalized after his condition deteriorated while having breakfast.

Given these circumstances, Jemimah Rodrigues will remain in India to support Mandhana and her family, with the Heat agreeing she will not come back for the last four WBBL games. Heat CEO Terry Svenson expressed full support for Rodrigues' decision, stating, "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. Jemi told us she was disappointed not to be coming back and has passed on her appreciation to the club and the Heat fans for being so understanding of the circumstances. She has been in touch with the players and wished them all the best for the rest of their games," he added.

Rodrigues was the only Indian player in the WBBL's 11th season, and her decision to stay back reflects not only her personal commitment to Mandhana but also the close bond within the Indian contingent during this challenging time.