India batter Jemimah Rodrigues will not return to Australia for the remainder of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2025 season after her Brisbane Heat franchise agreed to release her from all upcoming fixtures. Rodrigues' decision came after her Indian teammate and close friend Smriti Mandhana’s wedding was postponed due to sudden health complications in her family. Rodrigues has chosen to stay back in India to support her teammate during this difficult phase.

The right-handed batter had flown back to India after the Heat’s match against the Hobart Hurricanes on November 15 to attend Mandhana’s wedding celebrations. The India star had played three matches this season and was coming off India’s historic maiden ODI World Cup win. She was expected to rejoin the Heat setup soon after the festivities.

However, plans changed when Mandhana’s father, Srinivas Mandhana, suffered a serious cardiac-related health scare just before the ceremony. He was hospitalised in Sangli with symptoms initially feared to be a heart attack before being diagnosed with angina.

Mandhana’s fiance, musician Palaash Muchhal, was also rushed to the hospital the next day due to health concerns related to the flu and acidity. Rodrigues, who was present in Sangli for the pre-wedding ceremonies, decided to remain in India as support rather than return to Australia.

Brisbane Heat officially confirmed that Rodrigues had been released from the squad by mutual agreement. CEO Terry Svenson stated that the franchise completely understood Rodrigues’ situation.

"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," Heat CEO Terry Svenson said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Rodrigues, who was the Heat’s top international draft pick this season and in her second stint with the club, expressed disappointment at not being able to rejoin the group. She thanked the franchise and fans for their support and has reportedly been in touch with her teammates, wishing them well for the remaining games.

In her brief appearance this season, the 25-year-old scored 37 runs at an average of 12.33 and a strike rate of 102.77. Heat, currently winless after six matches, will now rely on the returning Grace Harris, who replaces Lily Bassingthwaighte after a rest-management break.