Indian women's cricket team vice-captain, Smriti Mandhana, has officially confirmed that her wedding with music composer Palash Muchhal has been called off, addressing weeks of speculation surrounding her personal life. Mandhana made the announcement via an Instagram post on Sunday, requesting privacy for both families during this time.
"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," Mandhana stated in her Instagram story. "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," she added.
Mandhana further requested closure on the matter, stating, "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 concluded her note by thanking her fans for their support and signaling her intent to move forward.
Palash Muchhal also addressed the situation in a separate Instagram story, stating that he has "decided to move on" and "step back from my personal relationship". He expressed his disappointment with the "baseless rumors" surrounding the matter and emphasized the difficulty of the situation. Muchhal urged the public to "pause before judging someone based on unverified gossip" and affirmed his intention to deal with the situation "gracefully, holding on to my beliefs". According to The Economic Times, Muchhal stated his team would take legal action against fake news.
The wedding was originally scheduled for November 23, 2025, in Sangli, Maharashtra. However, it was indefinitely postponed after Mandhana's father, Srinivas Mandhana, was hospitalized due to a sudden medical emergency. Shortly after, Palash Muchhal was also admitted to the hospital, reportedly due to stress-induced health concerns.
Prior to the postponement, the couple's engagement had been confirmed via an Instagram reel where Mandhana flaunted her ring. Muchhal had also hinted at the impending nuptials at an event in Indore, stating that Mandhana would "soon become the daughter-in-law of Indore". He was present at the DY Patil Stadium during the Women's World Cup final, celebrating India's victory from the stands.
Following the postponement, Mandhana's brother, Shravan Mandhana, clarified that the ceremony was "still on hold". However, speculation about a potential breakup arose when fans noticed the absence of her engagement ring in a promotional video she posted on Instagram.
Mandhana is expected to return to cricket in a five-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, scheduled from December 21 to 30, as preparation for the next year's T20 World Cup. She will also captain Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the upcoming Women's Premier League, starting January 9 in Navi Mumbai.
