New Delhi, November 13, 2025: Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues, known for her record-breaking 127* in the Women’s World Cup semi-final against Australia, has finally broken her silence on the controversy surrounding alleged religious conversion meetings linked to her family. While her innings last year inspired a historic victory for India, off the field, Jemimah and her family faced intense scrutiny and public criticism.

In 2024, Jemimah’s membership at Khar Gymkhana was revoked following complaints that her father, Ivan Rodrigues, had allegedly used club facilities to host unauthorized religious gatherings. The club alleged these meetings violated its by-laws. Jemimah explained that the allegations hit her hard, especially as they coincided with a period when she was already struggling with her performance.

“Facing these allegations was painful, but seeing my parents dragged into it for something we didn’t do hurt even more,” Jemimah told India Today. She added that the constant messages and media coverage, combined with disappointment over her own performance, were emotionally overwhelming. “It felt like one blow after another. I remember my brother calling, and I just started crying. I didn’t know how to handle it.”

Her father, Ivan Rodrigues, has consistently maintained that the gatherings were strictly prayer meetings, fully compliant with the club’s regulations. He clarified that the meetings were open to everyone and were never intended for conversions, as some reports suggested. Once instructed to stop, they immediately ceased the activities.

Jemimah emphasized that her family acted within rules and had proof to support it. Despite the allegations, she has continued to focus on cricket, letting her achievements on the field speak for themselves. The controversy, she noted, was a reminder of the challenges public figures face, where private actions can be misunderstood and distorted.

This statement from Jemimah comes as she continues to shine as a leading figure in Indian women’s cricket, inspiring many with both her talent and resilience. Her clarification also underscores the importance of distinguishing facts from rumors in the media and public discourse.

 Jemimah Rodrigues Speaks Out on Alleged Religious Conversion Claims: “People Were Saying Terrible Things”

Indian cricket star Jemimah Rodrigues has opened up about the controversy surrounding alleged religious conversion meetings linked to her family. The allegations arose in 2024 when her membership at Khar Gymkhana was revoked after complaints that her father, Ivan Rodrigues, had hosted prayer gatherings at the club, which were wrongly reported as conversion meetings.

Jemimah said the false claims were deeply upsetting, especially as they came after a disappointing World Cup performance. “Seeing my parents dragged into something we didn’t do was painful. Messages and media reports were overwhelming. It felt like one blow after another,” she told India Today. She shared how emotional the period was, recalling moments when she broke down over the situation.

Her father clarified that all gatherings were prayer meetings, conducted according to the club’s rules, open to everyone, and not related to conversions. When the club requested them to stop, they immediately complied. Jemimah emphasized that her family followed all rules and had evidence to support their actions.

Despite the allegations, Jemimah continues to focus on cricket and inspire many with her achievements on the field. Her statement highlights the challenges public figures face when private actions are misrepresented and the importance of separating facts from rumors.