From Yuzvendra Chahal to Smriti Mandhana: Cricketers who announced divorce or breakup in 2025

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The year 2025 witnessed several prominent cricket personalities navigating challenging personal terrain, with multiple high-profile relationship endings capturing widespread attention across social and traditional media platforms. These developments underscored the intense pressures that accompany celebrity status in professional sports.

Professional athletes often face unique challenges in maintaining personal relationships while managing demanding careers and constant public visibility. This year saw several cricket stars publicly addressing the end of their marriages and partnerships, with varying degrees of controversy and media attention accompanying each announcement.

1) JP Duminy and Sue Erasmus parts ways after 12 years

Former South African cricketer JP Duminy and his wife Sue Erasmus concluded their marriage in February 2025, ending a union that had lasted over a decade. The couple, who exchanged vows in 2011, released a joint statement emphasizing their commitment to their daughters Isabella and Alexa Rose. Their announcement prioritized co-parenting arrangements and family stability moving forward. Observers had noted decreased public appearances together in preceding months, though no detailed explanation was provided for the separation. Sue has since moved forward with a new relationship, publicly sharing moments with her partner Franco Roberto on social media.

2) Yuzvendra Chahal’s high-profile separation from Dhanashree Verma

The dissolution of Yuzvendra Chahal’s marriage to choreographer and content creator Dhanashree Verma became one of the most discussed cricket-related stories of early 2025. The Bandra Family Court in Mumbai officially granted their divorce on March 20, bringing closure to a relationship that began during pandemic lockdowns in 2020. Court documents cited incompatibility as the fundamental issue, with reports suggesting differing preferences regarding residential location and lifestyle choices created persistent friction. The couple had been living apart since mid-2022.

Financial settlements reportedly included substantial compensation, with Chahal agreeing to provide INR 4 crore alimony payment. The Bombay High Court expedited proceedings by waiving the standard waiting period, accommodating Chahal’s professional cricket commitments during the Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Media attention intensified when both parties arrived at court proceedings wearing masks to avoid identification. Post-separation, both individuals made subtle social media statements that generated additional public discussion.

3) Megan Schutt confirms split with partner Jess Holyoake

Australian women’s cricket star Megan Schutt publicly acknowledged the end of her marriage to Jess Holyoake through a heartfelt social media message. The couple, who married in 2019 following several years together, decided to separate after experiencing difficulties in their relationship. Schutt emphasized that despite the romantic partnership ending, both remain dedicated to raising their daughter Rylee, born in 2021. The announcement stressed mutual respect and a commitment to maintaining positive communication for their child’s benefit.

4) Smriti Mandhana and Palash Muchhal’s wedding called off

Perhaps the most dramatic development involved Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana and music composer Palash Muchhal, whose planned November wedding was abruptly cancelled. The couple, together since 2019, had wedding preparations underway when circumstances changed dramatically on the scheduled ceremony date. Mandhana’s father experienced a medical emergency that morning, followed by Muchhal’s own hospitalization.

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Online speculation intensified with unverified claims regarding relationship dynamics, which Muchhal’s family firmly rejected as false rumors while threatening legal action against those spreading misinformation. Mandhana removed wedding-related content from her social media profiles, and by early December, both parties confirmed the permanent cancellation. Mandhana requested focus remain on her cricket career, while Muchhal expressed his intention to move forward respectfully.

5) Imad Wasim’s contested divorce from Sannia Ashfaq

Imad Wasim’s marriage dissolution in late December 2025 generated significant controversy when conflicting narratives emerged. The Pakistani all-rounder announced his separation from Sannia Ashfaq on December 28, requesting privacy and asking supporters to refrain from sharing outdated couple photographs. His statement referenced unresolved conflicts accumulated over several years.

Ashfaq responded with a contrasting account, making serious allegations about the circumstances surrounding their separation. She claimed external interference contributed to the marriage breakdown and described experiencing significant emotional difficulties, particularly during pregnancies. Her statement indicated ongoing legal proceedings and suggested she possessed supporting documentation. The couple, married in 2016, has children together. Speculation emerged regarding third-party involvement, though definitive confirmation remained elusive amid denials from various parties.

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