Indian cricket star Jemimah Rodrigues has bravely spoken out about the emotional impact of the Khar Gymkhana membership controversy, detailing the painful experience for her and her family. The saga, which gained significant public attention, resurfaced following her vital contributions to India’s recent World Cup victory.
The controversy began in October 2024 during the Khar Gymkhana’s Annual General Body Meeting. Allegations surfaced that Jemimah’s father, Ivan Rodrigues, had hosted approximately 35 gatherings linked to Brother Manuel Ministries over 18 months. These events were reportedly religious, violating club rules against such activities on the premises. A complaint to then-club president Nitin Gadekar led to an official inquiry and a member vote, which ultimately resulted in the suspension of the Rodrigues family’s membership.
In a candid interview, Jemimah described the ‘deep hurt’ caused by the ‘false allegations’ and the subsequent difficult period. “It was profoundly upsetting to see my parents targeted for something we hadn’t done,” she shared. “We had evidence that all our activities complied with club rules. These baseless accusations were incredibly damaging.”
She revealed the controversy struck at a particularly vulnerable time, just after India’s disappointing World Cup performance in Dubai, when she was already struggling with her form and confidence. “I was already feeling low after the World Cup. Suddenly, facing negative news, messages, and hateful comments about me, my family, and my church was overwhelming. It felt like a double blow – my poor performance and then these false allegations,” Jemimah explained.
Rodrigues shared how her family’s approach was rooted in faith and forgiveness. “As a family, we decided not to fight this battle ourselves. We trusted our intentions and our faith. We chose to forgive those who caused us pain, adhering to the principles of love and forgiveness taught by Jesus,” she said.
She believes that divine intervention played a key role in their vindication. “God has truly vindicated us,” Jemimah stated. “Exactly one year after that painful time, I played the match-winning innings in the semi-final, leading India to the World Cup. It was a powerful testament to God lifting us up and restoring our honor.”
Jemimah’s journey of resilience and faith was highlighted by her exceptional performance in the 2025 ODI World Cup, where she scored 292 runs. Her unbeaten 127 against Australia in the semi-final is celebrated as an iconic World Cup innings, crucial in India’s path to the final and a significant moment of personal redemption for her.