Indian women’s cricket star Jemimah Rodrigues is drawing comparisons to Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batsman Muhammad Rizwan, with some calling her the “female version” of him. Indian journalist Shubhankar Mishra mentioned this on his YouTube channel, stirring curiosity about why Rodrigues is being likened to Rizwan.
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The controversy Surrounding Jemimah Rodrigues
The connection to Rizwan comes amid controversy at Khar Gymkhana, a prestigious Mumbai-based club, which recently revoked Rodrigues’ membership. The club made this decision following allegations that her father, Ivan Rodrigues, had hosted religious gatherings at the venue.
During the club’s annual general body meeting on October 20, 2024, some members voiced concerns that the presidential hall was being used for religious conversion activities. Ivan Rodrigues allegedly organized around 35 gatherings under the banner of Brother Manuel Ministries over 18 months, leading several members to accuse him of using these events to convert “vulnerable” attendees.
Shiv Malhotra, a member of the club’s management, emphasized that such activities violated the club’s by-laws, which strictly prohibit religious events on the premises. Nitin Gadekar, a former president of Khar Gymkhana, confirmed witnessing these gatherings, which contributed to the club’s decision to terminate Jemimah’s three-year membership. Rodrigues, who was granted membership in 2023, had become the first female cricketer from India to join the prestigious club.
This controversy has emerged at a crucial time in Rodrigues’ career, as she prepares to represent India in an upcoming ODI series against New Zealand.
The Muhammad Rizwan comparison
The comparison to Muhammad Rizwan seems to stem from a parallel between both athletes’ connection to religion. In December 2023, Rizwan went viral for delivering a speech at a mosque in Melbourne, Australia. In his address, Rizwan stated, “Every human is an ambassador of two things: if they are Muslim, they represent Islam wherever they go, and secondly, they are ambassadors of Pakistan.”
While Rizwan’s remarks earned both praise and criticism on social media, many fans defended him for promoting religious harmony. Others, including fellow cricketer Ahmed Shehzad, were more critical, arguing that cricketers should avoid religious activism in their public roles.
The comparison to Rizwan reflects how both athletes have become symbolic figures at the intersection of sports and faith, though in very different contexts. Like Rizwan, Jemimah Rodrigues’ personal and family affiliations with religion have inadvertently attracted public attention, though in her case, it has sparked controversy rather than admiration.
Conclusion
The analogy between Jemimah Rodrigues and Muhammad Rizwan highlights the increasingly complex relationship between sports, personal beliefs, and public perception. Both athletes have found themselves in the spotlight not just for their talent, but also for the way religion has played a role in shaping their public narratives. However, while Rizwan’s speech in Melbourne garnered support from many, Rodrigues’ case has stirred controversy, underscoring how cultural and regional differences influence the way such matters are received.