Jemimah Rodrigues will not return for the remainder of WBBL 2025 after her franchise, Brisbane Heat, granted her request to stay in India. Rodrigues had flown home following the Heat’s game against the Hobart Hurricanes under a pre-arranged understanding linked to personal commitments.

The star Indian batter will remain in India to support her teammate and friend, Smriti Mandhana, during a challenging time for Mandhana’s family.

During her brief WBBL stint this season, the 25-year-old World Cup winner played three matches, scoring 37 runs at an average of 12.33 with a strike rate of 102.77. Rodrigues expressed her gratitude to the Heat and its fans for their understanding, while the club extended best wishes to her during this period.

Brisbane Heat CEO Terry Svenson said, “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 wishes her and Smriti Mandhana’s family all the best for the future.”

Svenson added that Rodrigues had been in touch with her teammates, passing on her appreciation and wishing them well for the rest of the games.

Rodrigues, signed as Brisbane Heat’s number one pick at the international player draft earlier this year, had a tough campaign with the team, which has lost all six of its matches so far. The Heat have four league games remaining, next facing the Sydney Sixers on November 28.