Mumbai club cancels Jemimah’s membership over father’s religious activities: Reports

Jemimah Rodrigues, who recently played for India in the Women's T20 World Cup 2024, could not do much as the Khar Gymkhana, a cricket club in Mumbai, cancelled her membership over her father’s alleged act of religious conversion. 

The decision taken on October 20 (Sunday) during a general body meeting, came to light on October 22 (Tuesday) after the Gymkhana president Vivek Dvnani confirmed it to the English language daily–The Indian Express. 

“The honorary three-year membership given to Ms Jemimah Rodrigues was revoked according to a resolution passed by the members who attended the general meeting held on October 20, 2024,” he said. 

Another member of the Khar-based club, Shiv Malhotra alleged that Jemimah’s father was attached to an organisation that has been viewed by suspicion. 

“We came to know that Jemimah Rodrigues’s father was attached to an organisation called Brother Manuel Ministries. They booked the presidential hall for almost a year and a half and held 35 events. We all know what was happening there,” he said.

“We hear about conversions all over the country, but it’s happening right under our nose. There was dancing, expensive music equipment, and big screens. As per Khar Gymkhana’s bylaws Rule 4A of the constitution, Khar Gymkhana does not permit any religious activity,” he added. 

It was only in 2023 when Jemimah, who by then had become an indispensable member of the Indian women’s team, was invited to be a member of the Khar club and use its facilities. 

Jemimah has so far featured in three Tests, 30 ODIs and 103 T20Is for the Indian side. She has been named in India's ODI squad that will face T20 World Cup winners New Zealand in a three-match series in Ahmedabad.

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