Smriti Mandhana calls off wedding with Palash Muchhal, requests privacy for both families: ‘It’s time to move forward’ | Cricket
Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana, on Sunday, announced that her wedding with music composer Palash Muchhal has been called off, bringing an abrupt end to a relationship that had been in the spotlight for weeks. The India vice-captain issued a public statement requesting privacy as she navigates the situation, emphasising her desire to move forward quietly.
Palash Muchhal and Smriti Mandhana
Mandhana clearly seemed pained at the wild speculations swirling around her now-cancelled nuptials with Palash, requesting peace and quiet.
“Over the past few weeks there has been plenty of speculation around my life and I feel it is important for me to speak out at this time. I am a very private person and I would like to keep it that way but I need to clarify that the wedding is called off. I would like to close this matter here and implore all of you to do the same. I request you to please respect the privacy of both families at this time and allow us the space to process and move on at our own pace,” she posted on Instagram.
She also reaffirmed her dedication to her cricket career, stressing that her focus remains unwavering.
“I believe there is a higher purpose driving us all and for me that has always been representing my country at the highest level. I hope to continue to play and win trophies for India for as long as possible and that is where my focus will forever be. Thank you for all your support. It’s time to move forward,” Mandhana added.
Smriti Mandhana’s Instagram story
From medical emergency to mounting rumours: how the drama unfolded
In the weeks leading up to the wedding at her hometown, Sangli, dramatic events unfolded. After star-studded pre-wedding rituals, it was Mandhana’s father’s sudden health scare in the morning before the wedding ceremony, originally scheduled for November 23, that made headlines. She immediately postponed the wedding indefinitely to focus on her family.
A day later, Palash was also hospitalised in Sangli and subsequently shifted to Mumbai for further evaluation.
But within days, wild speculation around the relationship began to swirl. The chatter worsened after Mandhana quietly deleted all her wedding-related posts across social media. And it intensified further as she withdrew from the Women’s Big Bash League. Close friend and teammate Jemimah Rodrigues also pulled out of the league, choosing to stay by Mandhana’s side through the turmoil.
While both Mandhana’s father and Palash were discharged shortly after, no new wedding date was confirmed.
Initial reactions amid speculations…
Earlier this week, Palash’s sister, Palak Muchhal, broke her silence on the speculations, speaking for the first time about the emotional toll the episode had taken on both families. In a conversation with Filmfare, she said: “I think the families have been through a very, very tough time we would like to believe in positivity in this time and spread positivity as much as we can. And stay strong yeah.”
Palak’s comments marked the first on-record acknowledgement from the Muchhal side since the wedding was put on hold.
Smriti and Palash, however, did not issue any formal statement on the situation till then. Both, notably, added an evil-eye emoji to their social media bios, a move that only intensified public curiosity.
On Friday, Mandhana returned to Instagram with her first post since the wedding was postponed. It was a routine promotional video for a popular toothpaste brand, in which she reflected on India’s historic Women’s World Cup win in November. However, the post quickly grabbed attention for a different reason, fans noticed she wasn’t wearing her engagement ring. While some argued the video may have been recorded before the engagement, others speculated about its absence, reigniting conversations around the situation.
