Father of Indian cricket player Jemimah Rodrigues, Ivan Rodrigues, issued a clarification on Friday after Khar Gymkhana revoked his daughter's membership over religious conversion meeting allegations. In a post, he mentioned that the prayer gatherings were taking place "in full accordance with procedures," although he denied the reports of any religious conversion.
Khar Gymkhana last week terminated the membership of Jemimah during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) following complaints coming from members about the misuse of the privileges given to the upcoming star cricketer. According to a report, Ivan Rodrigues held 18 religious events at the Gymkhana throughout the year aiming to convert people by brainwashing them.
There were no conversion meetings: Ivan Rodrigues over allegations
According to the report by Business Standard, Jemimah's father asserts that he had the appropriate authorization from the authorities to hold prayer services on the gymkhana grounds. The prayer meetings didn't violate any bylaws and weren't intended for conversion. Ivan went on to say that the unfair accusations wounded him as a law-abiding member of the nation.
“We had availed of the facilities at the Khar Gymkhana for prayer meetings on multiple occasions, over a year since April 2023. However, this was done in complete accordance with the procedures that Khar Gymkhana have in place, and full knowledge of the office-bearers. The prayer meetings were open to all and were in no way 'conversion meetings' as is wrongly labelled in articles in the media. To then be the subject of false claims and misinformation is disheartening. We have and continue to wish only the best for everyone," he added.
Earlier, Khar Gymkhana's managing committee member Shiv Malhotra commented that the whole incident shouldn't have taken place, and he respects Jemimah's sporting stature. "This was not required. But I mean, this is the way the world works. Let me place this on record that we are very proud of her as an Indian cricketer and I wish her good luck for the future and may she win more accolades for the country," Malhotra said.
He further adds, "She should know that the Gymkhana membership was given to her as a privilege to her to enjoy the cricketing facilities and not for her father to use." Jemimah, 24, is an upcoming star in the Indian women's cricket team. Since her India debut in 2018, she has participated in 31 ODIs, 104 T20Is, and three Test matches, accumulating 235 runs.
