“I need to clarify that…”: Smriti Mandhana calls off her wedding with Palash Muchhal

Table of Contents

India women’s cricket star Smriti Mandhana has officially confirmed that her wedding to music composer Palash Muchhal has been called off, putting an end to the intense speculation that has dominated social media in recent weeks.

In a rare personal statement posted on Instagram, the usually private opener said she felt compelled to address the rumours only because the chatter had spiralled beyond control. “I am a very private person… but I need to clarify that the wedding is called off,” Mandhana wrote, requesting that fans and media “close this matter here” and allow both families space to heal.

Mandhana added that she wants to “process and move on at our own pace,” firmly requesting privacy from all quarters.

Without revealing details behind the decision, Mandhana emphasised that representing India continues to be her highest priority. In her statement, she wrote that there is a “higher purpose driving us all,” and for her, that purpose has always been wearing the India jersey and striving to win trophies for the country.

Her message made it clear that the off-field turmoil will not shift her commitment to cricket. “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,” she said.

The statement quickly gained traction across social platforms, with fans and fellow athletes expressing support for the 28-year-old opener.

The Smriti-Palash wedding was originally scheduled for November 23–24 in Mandhana’s hometown of Sangli, Maharashtra. Pre-wedding festivities, including the sangeet, had already begun and several photos and videos were widely shared online, suggesting that the celebrations were underway.

However, in a dramatic turn of events, the wedding was indefinitely postponed on the day of the ceremony. Reports indicated that Smriti’s father, Srinivas Mandhana, suffered a cardiac scare and required hospitalisation, prompting both families to halt all plans. Soon after, Palash and his family returned to Mumbai, with some reports suggesting he too sought brief medical attention due to stress. However, what followed was a burst of speculation across social media.

Smriti later removed multiple wedding-related posts from her Instagram and was seen publicly without her engagement ring, amplifying rumours that the relationship had been called off completely.

Also READ: BCCI announces complete schedule for WPL 2026; Royal Challengers Bengaluru will battle Mumbai Indians in the opener

With online theories spiralling – some of them highly intrusive – Mandhana said she had no choice but to issue a public clarification. She urged fans, media houses and content creators to refrain from drawing conclusions or assigning blame, stating clearly that she does not wish for the subject to be discussed further.

“I would like to close this matter here and implore all of you to do the same,” she wrote. Her appeal is being widely echoed by supporters, who have encouraged the public to respect her boundaries during a difficult personal moment.

Also READ: Smriti Mandhana and Palaash Muchhal’s wedding controversy: After Gulnaaz Khan, Nandika Dwivedi reacts to cheating allegations

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.