Father organised religious activities on premises of gymkhana; club authorities cancel star cricketer's membership

MUMBAI: Khar Gymkhana has revoked the membership of Indian women's cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues. The decision was taken by the authorities following complaints from several members regarding the misuse of membership privileges by her father, Ivan Rodrigues.

Khar Gymkhana authorities took action against Jemimah after other club members complained about her father Ivan's activities. The action was taken at an emergency club meeting held on Sunday. Notably, Jemimah was the first woman cricketer to receive honorary membership of the club.

According to Shiv Malhotra, a member of the managing committee of Khar Gymkhana, Ivan Rodrigues had been booking the Presidential Hall at concessional rates using Jemimah's membership. These bookings were allegedly for organizing religious activities, which is a violation of Article 4 of the Gymkhana's by-laws. Malhotra and other members noticed these activities and, upon investigation, discovered that around 35 such events had taken place over the past year and a half.

The Gymkhana's decision underscores the importance of adhering to the institution's by-laws and maintaining fairness in the usage of its facilities. While Jemimah's contributions to Indian cricket are celebrated, the Gymkhana deemed it necessary to take action against the misuse of membership benefits.

24-year-old Jemimah is one of the best all-rounders in the Indian team. Her batting statistics include 235 runs at a remarkable average of 58.75 in three Test matches, 710 runs in 30 ODIs, and 2142 runs in 104 T20Is.