Star Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues has publicly addressed the emotional toll of the Khar Gymkhana membership dispute, sharing her family’s challenging experience. This controversy, which gained significant attention, resurfaced shortly after her crucial role in India’s recent World Cup triumph.
The incident traces back to October 2024, during the club’s Annual General Body Meeting. Allegations were made against Jemimah’s father, Ivan Rodrigues, regarding approximately 35 religious gatherings hosted under the banner of Brother Manuel Ministries within an 18-month period. Club regulations prohibit political or religious events on its premises, and a staff member’s report to former president Nitin Gadekar triggered official proceedings. A subsequent member vote led to the suspension of the Rodrigues family’s membership.
Speaking candidly, Jemimah described the ‘deep hurt’ inflicted by the ‘false allegations’ and the subsequent difficult times. “When my parents were dragged into it for something we didn’t do, it really hurt,” she admitted. “We had proof that everything we did was according to the rules. The allegations deeply affected us because we were innocent.”
She revealed that the controversy emerged at a vulnerable moment, directly after India’s disappointing World Cup performance in Dubai, when her own form was also a concern. “I was already feeling low after the World Cup. Then, seeing and hearing terrible things about me, my family, and my church was devastating. It felt like a relentless series of blows – my poor performance, followed by these baseless accusations,” she shared.
Rodrigues emphasized her family’s choice to lean on faith and forgiveness. “We decided this wasn’t a battle to fight in our own strength. We trusted our intentions were pure and that God was our witness. So, we chose silence and forgiveness, as taught by Jesus,” she explained.
Her perspective is that divine vindication followed. “God turned it all around,” Jemimah stated. “Exactly a year after the painful events, India won the World Cup, with my crucial semi-final knock. What was a time of deep pain last year became a moment of immense upliftment and honor this year.”
Jemimah’s perseverance culminated in her outstanding performance at the 2025 ODI World Cup, where she scored 292 runs. Her unbeaten 127 against Australia in the semi-final, a career-defining innings, secured India’s passage to the final and served as a powerful personal victory and redemption.