Star Indian Cricketer Loses Khar Gymkhana Membership Over Alleged Religious Activities by Her Father

In a surprising turn of events, star Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues has found herself embroiled in controversy, resulting in the revocation of her honorary membership at Khar Gymkhana, one of Mumbai’s oldest and most prestigious clubs. The decision was made following allegations that her father, Ivan Rodrigues, conducted religious activities on the club’s premises, a violation of the club’s strict policies.

The Allegations Against Ivan Rodrigues

The controversy began when Ivan Rodrigues, Jemimah’s father and a known cricket coach, was accused of using Khar Gymkhana’s premises to hold religious events under the banner of Brother Manuel Ministries. The events, which reportedly included music, dancing, and sermons, allegedly aimed at “converting the vulnerable,” according to Gymkhana officials.

According to reports, the activities had been ongoing for over a year and a half, with 35 such events held in the club’s presidential hall. The allegations gained traction after members noticed the nature of these gatherings and reported it to the Gymkhana committee.

Khar Gymkhana’s Policy on Religious Activities

Khar Gymkhana, being one of the most respected institutions in Mumbai, maintains strict policies to ensure the club remains a neutral space free from political and religious influences. Rule 4A of the club’s constitution explicitly prohibits any form of religious activity on its premises, aiming to preserve the club’s secular environment for all its members.

This rule serves as the foundation for the action taken against Jemimah’s honorary membership. The club leadership, led by President Vivek Devnani, cited this policy when explaining the decision to revoke her membership after a formal vote at the annual general meeting held on October 20, 2024.

“The honorary three-year membership given to Ms. Jemimah Rodrigues was revoked pursuant to a resolution passed by the members who attended the general meeting held on October 20, 2024,” Khar Gymkhana president Vivek Devnani was quoted as saying in the report.

The Timeline of Events

Ivan Rodrigues had been using the presidential hall at Khar Gymkhana for over a year and a half, during which he organized 35 events under the auspices of Brother Manuel Ministries. The turning point came when club officials personally witnessed one of the gatherings and confirmed that religious ceremonies were being held.

This prompted an internal investigation, which ultimately led to the club’s decision to terminate Jemimah’s membership. While Jemimah herself was not directly involved in the events, the actions of her father were seen as a breach of club regulations, which contributed to the decision to revoke her honorary membership.

“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,” said Khar Gymkhana managing committee member Shiv Malhotra.

“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,” Gadekar said.

Jemimah Rodrigues, one of India’s most promising cricketers, was awarded an honorary three-year membership at Khar Gymkhana in 2023, in recognition of her achievements in the sport. As the first Indian female cricketer to receive this honor from the club, the membership was a prestigious symbol of her success both on and off the field.

However, her association with her father’s activities has led to an unfortunate end to her time at the club. The revocation of her membership is not a reflection of her personal actions but rather the consequences of the controversy surrounding her father.