In a heartfelt announcement that has taken fans by surprise, Indian cricket vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has revealed that her much-anticipated wedding to music composer Palash Muchhal has been officially called off. The 28-year-old batting stalwart took to Instagram to share the personal update, urging for privacy and respect for both families involved.
A Joyful Celebration That Turned Bittersweet
The news brings a poignant end to a journey that the public first glimpsed during a vibrant sangeet ceremony in November 2025. A viral video from the event showed the couple, beaming with joy, performing a romantic dance to the song "Tenu Leke Main Jawanga." The clip captured Mandhana placing a garland around Muchhal as he serenaded her with "Gulabi Aankhen." The celebrations were amplified by her Indian teammates, including Jemimah Rodrigues and Radha Yadav, who performed "Tera Yaar Hoon Main." The wedding was originally scheduled for November 23, 2025, but was postponed after Mandhana's father was hospitalized due to a heart ailment.
Official Statements and a Plea for Privacy
In her Instagram post, Mandhana, describing herself as a "very private person," stated she felt compelled to speak out due to weeks of intense speculation. "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," she wrote. She earnestly requested the media and public to respect the privacy of both families and allow them the "space to process and move on."
Soon after, Palash Muchhal issued his own statement, confirming the decision. "I have decided to move on in my life and step back from my personal relationship," he expressed, describing it as the most difficult phase of his life. He voiced anguish over "baseless rumours" and announced that his team would pursue strict legal action against those spreading defamatory content. He urged society to pause before judging based on unverified gossip.
Focus Returns to the Cricket Pitch
Amidst the personal turmoil, Smriti Mandhana has firmly redirected attention to her professional commitments. With India heading into a busy international season in 2026, the left-handed opener emphasized that her primary focus remains on representing her country. "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," she affirmed in her note.
The development follows recent comments from singer Palak Muchhal, Palash's sister, who acknowledged that both families had been through a "very tough time." Mandhana concluded her statement with a forward-looking message: "Thank you for all your support. It's time to move forward." As one of the central figures in Indian women's cricket for nearly a decade, her fans and the cricketing fraternity will now be watching as she channels her energy back onto the field.
