Jemimah Rodrigues' Khar Gymkhana membership terminated amid controversy over religious conversion activities

India batter Jemimah Rodrigues lost her playing membership at Khar Gymkhana on Sunday after allegations arose that her father, Ivan Rodrigues, used her membership to book a hall for religious activities, TOI reported.

The decision was made during the club’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Jemimah, a resident of Bandra, became the first woman cricketer to receive Khar Gymkhana membership in March 2023.


Jemimah and her father were not available for a comment, the report said. A club managing committee member stated that Ivan, associated with the evangelical group Brother Manuel Ministries, had reserved the club's banquet hall for over a year for "meetings related to religious conversions."

Khar Gymkhana president Vivek Devnani dismissed the allegations, suggesting they were politically motivated due to the approaching club elections. He emphasized, “No evidence has been offered for any alleged wrongdoing."

Shiv Malhotra, a managing committee member, claimed that Jemimah's father misused her membership by frequently booking the banquet hall, which hindered other members from reserving it. Malhotra stated the misuse included "providing discounted rates" and waiving security deposits. He said the club's rules prohibit the use of its facilities for religious propagation, leading to a resolution to revoke Jemimah’s membership.

Malhotra explained that the president had to recover over Rs 3.5 lakh in arrears from Jemimah for 35 events. He added, “The general body unanimously decided to revoke Jemimah’s honorary playing membership due to misuse of privileges extended to her by the club.”

Former president Nitin Gadekar initiated the motion, demanding accountability. He questioned how such activities were approved without informing the managing committee. Gadekar stated, “Everyone agreed that while an inquiry must be initiated, Jemimah’s club membership must be terminated immediately.”

(With inputs from TOI)