CHANDIGARH, Dec 7— Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana on Sunday officially confirmed that her wedding to music composer Palash Muchhal has been called off, ending weeks of speculation surrounding the couple.
In a statement on her Instagram Story, Mandhana said, “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.” She added, “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.”
Mandhana reaffirmed her commitment to cricket, saying, “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.” She concluded, “Thank you for all your support. It’s time to move forward.”
The development comes days after singer Palak Muchhal, Palash’s sister, commented on the families’ emotional strain. “I think the families have been through a very tough time… We would like to believe in positivity at this time. We would like to spread positivity as much as we can. We are also trying to stay strong,” she said.
The wedding had been postponed nearly two weeks ago. The ceremony, originally scheduled for November 23 in Sangli, was halted after Smriti’s father, Srinivas Mandhana, fell critically ill, while Palash was also hospitalised due to stress. Both have since been discharged, but the abrupt postponement fueled widespread speculation and unverified online rumours, including false cheating claims aimed at Muchhal.
Amid circulating reports that the couple had chosen December 7 as a new wedding date, Smriti’s brother, Shravan Mandhana, clarified, “I have no idea about these rumours. As of now, it (the wedding) is still postponed.” Earlier, Palash’s mother, Amita Muchhal, acknowledged the emotional strain, saying, “Smriti and Palash dono takleef mein hain… Palash dreamt of coming home with his bride. I had even planned a special welcome… Everything will be fine, shaadi bohot jaldi hogi.”
Even the couple’s wedding choreographers, Nandika Dwivedi and Gulnaaz Khan, were drawn into online rumours, which they categorically denied.
