Suspension of Indian Cricketer's Membership at Mumbai Club Due to Alleged Religious Activities of Father

New Delhi: Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues found herself embroiled in controversy after Khar Gymkhana, a prestigious club in Mumbai, decided to revoke her membership. The club's decision was prompted by complaints from certain members who expressed concerns about allegations that Rodrigues' father had been utilizing the premises for religious conversion activities. As a result of these allegations, the club made the decision to cancel Rodrigues' membership.

The decision to revoke Jemimah Rodrigues’ membership was made during Khar Gymkhana’s Annual General Body meeting on Sunday. Club President Vivek Devnani confirmed the development to the Indian Express, stating, “The honorary three-year membership granted to Ms. Jemimah Rodrigues was revoked following a resolution passed by the members at the general meeting held on October 20, 2024.”

Khar Gymkhana managing committee member Shiv Malhotra gave details of the activities that took place in the premises. “We came to know that Jemimah Rodrigues’s father was attached to an organisation called Brother Manuel Ministries. They booked the presidential hall for almost a year and a half and held 35 events. We all know what was happening there,” he said.

“We hear about conversions all over the country, but it’s happening right under our nose. There was dancing, expensive music equipment, big screens. As per Khar Gymkhana’s bye-laws Rule 4A of the constitution, Khar Gymkhana does not permit any religious activity,” Malhotra added.

Former Khar Gymkhana president Nitin Gadekar said, “Me, Malhotra and a few other members went to see it. We saw the room was dark, trance music was playing and a lady was saying ‘He is coming to save us’. I was surprised how Gymkhana can allow this in the first place. We protested and it was decided to cancel her membership.”