Brisbane Heat have announced that Indian batting star Jemimah Rodrigues will not return for the remainder of the WBBL season, after the 24-year-old requested to stay back in India in the wake of teammate Smriti Mandhana’s postponed wedding.

Rodrigues had flown home 10 days ago, immediately after the Heat’s match against the Hobart Hurricanes, to be part of Mandhana’s wedding celebrations. However, the event was put on hold when Mandhana’s father fell ill. Rodrigues has since chosen to remain in India to support the family during the difficult time.

The Heat confirmed the development on Thursday, saying they “fully respected” her decision. CEO Terry Svenson said the franchise understood the emotional strain Rodrigues had been under.

“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,” Svenson said. “The Heat club obviously wishes her and Smriti Mandhana's family all the best for the future.”

Svenson added that Rodrigues had personally expressed her disappointment at missing the remainder of the season and thanked the club and fans for their support. She has also stayed in touch with teammates, sending her best wishes for the games ahead. 

Her absence adds another blow to the Brisbane Heat’s tough start to the season. The team is yet to secure a win, suffering a heartbreaking last-ball defeat to the Adelaide Strikers earlier this week.

The Heat now shifts focus to Friday’s crucial clash against the Sydney Sixers at Adelaide Oval. The side will be boosted by the return of all-rounder Grace Harris, who re-enters the squad after being rested for workload management, replacing Lily Bassingthwaighte as Brisbane aim to revive their campaign.