Daijiworld Media Network - Sydney

Sydney, Nov 27: Brisbane Heat have confirmed that Indian batting star Jemimah Rodrigues will not rejoin the team for the rest of the WBBL season, agreeing to her request to remain in India after teammate Smriti Mandhana’s wedding was postponed.

Rodrigues had flown back to India following the Heat’s match against the Hobart Hurricanes 10 days ago to participate in the wedding celebrations. However, the ceremony was cancelled after Mandhana’s father fell ill. The 24-year-old has chosen to stay on to support the family during this time, and the Heat said they fully respect her decision.

Heat CEO Terry Svenson acknowledged the disappointment among supporters eager to see more of Rodrigues—this year’s top international draft pick and a returning player for Brisbane—but stressed that her wellbeing came first.

“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,” Svenson said in a statement. “The Heat club obviously wish her and Smriti Mandhana’s family all the best for the future.”

Svenson added that Rodrigues expressed sadness about missing the remainder of the campaign and thanked the club and fans for their understanding. She has also shared her best wishes with her teammates for the rest of the season.

Winless so far, the Heat will attempt to regroup after their narrow last-ball loss to the Adelaide Strikers earlier in the week. All-rounder Grace Harris will return from a rest for workload management, replacing Lily Bassingthwaighte as Brisbane prepare for Friday’s clash against the Sydney Sixers at Adelaide Oval.